Aramid Nomex is used on which aircraft components?

• A. H-60 rotor blades and survivability wrap for F/A-18 external fuel drop tanks
• B. Fuselage skin panels
• C. Landing gear wheels
• D. Cockpit windows

Answer: (A)

Nomex, an aramid fiber, is prized in aerospace for high toughness and excellent flame/heat resistance, making it ideal for areas that must survive extreme conditions without adding excessive weight. In the H-60 helicopter, rotor blades use Nomex-reinforced composites to achieve the necessary fatigue and impact tolerance while keeping weight down. Around F/A-18 external fuel tanks, survivability wraps made from Nomex provide an extra layer of fire resistance, helping to contain or slow a fire in the event of damage. Other components—fuselage skin, landing gear wheels, and cockpit windows—rely on different material systems chosen for stiffness, strength, visibility, and wear characteristics rather than Nomex.