TenCate Advanced Composites Signs Long Term Supply Agreement with Kestrel Aircraft for New All Composite Turboprop Kestrel K-350

TenCate Advanced Composites North America, a leading global composite materials company for space and aerospace applications, have signed a long term composite materials supply agreement with Kestrel Aircraft, headquartered in Superior (Wisconsin), United States of America. The new all composite turboprop Kestrel K-350 will utilize the latest TC275-1 epoxy prepreg system of TenCate. The TC275-1 system features superior hot/wet strength retention, the ability to cure at either 275°F or 350°F, and can be processed with a free standing post cure for higher temperature performance. Financial details will not be provided.

The Kestrel K-350 represents an all-composite single-engine, turboprop aircraft that will carry up to 8 people at high speed over long distances to places that jets simply can't go. The Kestrel's sleek, aerodynamic lines and large pressurized cabin are the direct result of advanced composite construction. Composites, with their high strength and design versatility, enable a more elegant, innovative airframe design and more spacious, comfortable interior.

Joe Morris, President TenCate Advanced Composites North America states: "TenCate is pleased to be the composite supplier to Kestrel Aircraft. This long term supply agreement represents the continuation of a long term successful relationship we have had with the Kestrel management team. We look forward to first flight and certification."

Alan Klapmeier, CEO, Kestrel Aircraft, says: "I have worked closely with TenCate in past years and have been impressed with their strong customer focus and strategic growth over the past two decades. We are pleased to entrust them with supplying consistently high quality prepreg materials for the K-350."

TenCate Advanced Composites is a leader in the development and production of thermoplastic and thermoset prepreg composites. Its product portfolio is incorporated in automotive products, aerospace applications, medical equipment and numerous other industrial applications. TenCate Advanced Composites has production facilities and operations in Europe and North America and distributors in Asia.

Royal Ten Cate (TenCate) is a multinational company that combines textile technology with chemical processes and material technology in the development and production of functional materials with distinctive characteristics. TenCate products are sold throughout the world.
Systems and materials from TenCate come under four areas of application: safety and protection; space and aerospace; infrastructure and the environment; sport and recreation. TenCate occupies leading positions in protective fabrics, composites for space and aerospace, antiballistics, geosynthetics and synthetic turf. TenCate is listed on NYSE Euronext (AMX).

Kestrel Aircraft is a new aviation company led by aviation entrepreneur Alan Klapmeier, renowned for introducing new standards of safety and ease of operation to general aviation. The Kestrel airplane will be a six to eight seat, all composite, single-engine turboprop, boasting a broad performance envelope, and the newest technologies available in personal and business aircraft. Headquartered in Superior, Wisconsin, engineers and support staff work at Kestrel focusing on aircraft design and certification. For additional information about Kestrel Aircraft please visit www.kestrel.aero