U.S. Olympian and Herriman native Kaysha Love, far right, joined with officials at the unveiling of the new USA bobsled created in collaboration with 47G and three other manufacturers and designers. (Courtesy 47G)
In a community where a strong focus is already on future Winter Olympic Games (since Utah will host them in 2034), new developments in training and equipment are sure to be forthcoming.
During the 47G’s Zero Gravity Summit held on Oct. 28, USA Bobsled & Skeleton announced a new partnership with three companies that has led to creation of the next generation of Team USA bobsleds. Albany Engineering Composites, Hexcel and Nammo Composite Solutions joined with 47G to unveil the newly designed bobsled at the summit.
“Partnerships like this are a great reminder that innovation can come from unexpected places,” said Lyndon Smith, president of the Americas and global fibers at Hexcel. “The same advanced materials and technical expertise that support aerospace and defense can open new possibilities in elite sport. We’re excited to work alongside USA Bobsled & Skeleton and our industry partners to see what we can accomplish together.”
At the heart of the effort is the application of advanced composite technology to one of the most equipment-driven sports in the world. For USABS athletes, performance is measured in hundredths of a second, making the weight, strength, aerodynamics and design of a sled critical considerations on the track. As part of the partnership, Albany will work with USABS to design and manufacture next-generation composite bobsleds intended to support Team USA athletes through the 2034 and 2038 Winter Olympic Games. Hexcel is contributing advanced composite materials expertise, while Nammo Composite Solutions will design and manufacture carbon-fiber cowlings for Team USA’s two-man bobsleds.
“Advanced composite technology has helped transform aerospace by enabling engineers to design components that are strong, lightweight and capable of performing in some of the most demanding environments,” said Jeff Daniel, vice president of the commercial segment at Albany Engineered Composites. “Bringing that expertise to bobsled creates an exciting opportunity to apply what we have learned in aerospace to a completely different performance challenge. We are proud to work alongside USA Bobsled & Skeleton to develop technology that can support Team USA athletes on the road to 2034 and beyond.”
Kaysha Love, Team USA bobsled athlete, 2022 and 2026 Olympian and the 2025 monobob world champion, was among those at the unveiling. The native of Herriman was joined by Aron McGuire, CEO of USA Bobsled/Skeleton, 47G President and CEO Aaron Starks, Hexcel VP of Defense and Space Jason Burns, Nammo President and GM Nate Lodder, and Daniel at the ceremony.
Also shown at the ceremony was athletic gear with new designs and materials. Athletes will begin using the new sleds in competition this coming season. For 47G, the collaboration represents an opportunity to demonstrate that Utah’s Olympic legacy can extend beyond hosting world-class competition. With advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, research and technology companies operating across the state, Utah has developed an ecosystem capable of bringing together expertise from traditionally separate industries.
“Utah has spent decades building an ecosystem where advanced manufacturing, aerospace, research and entrepreneurship intersect,” said Starks. “As we look toward 2034, we have an opportunity not only to host the world’s best athletes, but also to showcase the technologies, companies and talent helping shape the future of performance and innovation.”