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Beyond Gravity

KNOW-HOW

15 years of experience in defence

COMPOSITES

Ultra-rigid structures for the harsh conditions in any critical application

INDIVIDUALITY

Project-specific solutions according to customer requirements

Reliable & robust components for the toughest defence applications

The Connova Group has been developing and manufacturing high-performance composite structures for military applications for over 15 years. Our lightweight, rigid and robust components are used wherever maximum resilience, weight optimisation and tactical efficiency are required – whether in armoured vehicles, radar systems, missiles or portable equipment. Thanks to our in-depth engineering expertise, proven manufacturing technology and project-specific solutions, we fulfil the highest requirements in terms of reliability, safety and long-term availability – even under extreme operating conditions.

Proven engineering expertise for mission-critical systems

Connova brings in-depth expertise in the development and production of complex structural components to demanding defence programmes. Whether extreme mechanical stress, vibration, temperature fluctuations or corrosive environments – we deliver solutions that work in an emergency. In close cooperation with our partners, we develop customised composite and hybrid components that provide tactical advantages and reliably ensure operation under real operating conditions

Our core competencies in the defence industry

DEFENCE: ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT

High-precision solutions for safety-critical applications

As experts in high-performance composites in the defence sector, we support our customers throughout the entire development process – from technical consulting and the development and design of complex components to the structural analysis and optimisation of mission-critical systems. Our focus is on lightweight, robust and certified solutions for military air, ground and infrastructure applications.

DEFENCE: COMPOSITES

Production of composite components for defence systems

With our many years of experience in the production of high-performance composites, our experts select the most efficient manufacturing method for your defence products. In doing so, we ensure that the highest quality standards are met and reliable delivery is guaranteed.

DEFENCE: CNC MANUFACTURING

Precision for defence components

We offer a wide range of CNC services for both pattern and mould making and for the finishing of composite components for defence systems. With 100% precision, we ensure that all components meet the highest standards of accuracy, reliability and resilience for use in safety-critical applications.

DEFENCE: PROCESSING & SUPPORT

From the manufacturing process to final production

We offer a comprehensive range of machining services that can serve as an integral part of the manufacturing process for your defence composite components as well as complementary support for your own production. Our services ensure maximum precision and efficiency in all phases of production.

Your Point of Contact

Elmar Biller

Defence Contact, Connova Group

Elmar Biller holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart (graduated in 1988) and brings more than 40 years of experience in the composites industry, including over three decades in leadership roles for safety-critical aerospace and defence applications.
Prior to joining the Connova Group, he played a key role in the growth of Biontec in St. Gallen over a period of 11 years. There, high-performance carbon composite components for the mechanical engineering, sports, aerospace, and aviation industries were developed and manufactured in series using TFP and RTM technologies.
During the preceding 20 years at Huber+Suhner AG, he transformed a small central R&D team into the independent Composites Business Unit. He was instrumental in establishing industrial-scale production processes for high-performance composite components using prepreg, injection molding, and filament winding technologies. His technical expertise is complemented by executive and management training at the Malik Management Center St. Gallen and the SKU Swiss Management Program in Corporate Leadership. Several products for the defence industry were developed and manufactured under his leadership, including structural components for the Swiss Army’s Ranger UAV and highly loaded composite components for the AHEAD ammunition system.

Earlier in his career, he gained extensive experience in the development and serial production of light aircraft and industrial composite applications at FFT, one of the pioneers of fiber-reinforced composite technology in the aviation sector.

Why You Benefit from His Expertise:

  • Defence Engineering First-Hand: More than 40 years of operational experience in the development, industrialization, and serial production of high-performance composite solutions across a broad range of technologies and demanding applications. A strong ability to balance technical feasibility with commercial requirements.
  • Certified Serial Production Expertise: Proven track record in establishing repeatable manufacturing processes, from engineering and prototyping through first-article qualification and scalable series production under EN 9100 and comparable defence quality standards.
  • End-to-End Program Responsibility Single point of contact for defence programs throughout the entire product lifecycle. Extensive experience with feasibility studies, process and material selection, development, qualification, and long-term delivery of quality-compliant products.
  • Leadership and Organizational Excellence Certified management education (including Malik St. Gallen and SKU Executive Management Programs) combined with many years of full operational P&L responsibility for ERP-supported industrial composites manufacturing operations. A critical foundation for stable and reliable defence supply chains.


“In the defence sector, operational readiness depends on absolute reliability. Our objective is to guide every development, from the first concept sketch to certified serial production, with the same precision and robustness our customers demand in the field.”

— Elmar Biller, Defence Contact, Connova Group

EN9100 certification for aviation and defence:

In addition to the standard ISO 9001 certification, our company also meets the demanding EN9100 standard – a crucial quality standard for the aerospace and defence industry.

From material procurement to final inspection, we guarantee fully traceable, controlled production. Our high-precision testing and measuring systems ensure that all the requirements of civil and military applications are met – including robustness, traceability and long-term availability.

You can rely on certified quality that can withstand mission-critical conditions – on the ground, in the air and at sea.

Our successful defence projects

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Dueras / Rheinmetall:

  • Joint development: launcher tube and on-board system interface developed together with Rheinmetall
  • Structural optimisation: material improvements and FE simulations based on real load cases
  • Increased series production incl. CNC, assembly & QA
  • EN 9100:2018-certified for aerospace & defence
  • Documentation and quality assurance according to defence standards
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Radar Systems (Radomes):

  • Application: Lightweight composite covers for radar systems
  • Technical requirements: Weatherproof, radar-transparent and homogeneous material
  • Customer benefits: Reliable radar protection with flexible, lightweight structures
  • Performance advantage: Maintains radar accuracy and withstands harsh environmental conditions
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Helicopter fan blades:

  • Aerospace standards: Manufactured according to aerospace specifications
  • High precision: Extremely precise fibre placement ensures optimum load performance
  • Outstanding material: use of high-strength composite materials for demanding applications
  • Improved performance, long-term durability and high damage tolerance
  • Ready for use: Customised composite solution for critical aerospace environments

Successful cooperation with Rheinmetall in the Defence sector

Together with Rheinmetall, we developed a new launcher tube for the Dueras-Mass-DR system, including an interface to the on-board system. The structure was specifically optimised through material adaptations and FEM simulations and ultimately exceeded all requirements in the specifications. This was followed by the ramp-up to scaled series production, including toolmaking, CNC machining, assembly and quality assurance. The implementation was carried out in accordance with the highest aerospace standards – fully documented and certified in accordance with EN 9100:2018 (AS9100D).

Defence: Non-binding advice for defence solutions

With many years of expertise gained from numerous projects in the field of lightweight construction technologies and composite materials, we offer comprehensive consulting services for the implementation of your defence projects. Contact us for a professional, no-obligation consultation, during which we will discuss how we, as your potential partner, can contribute to the optimisation of your defence solutions. Our consulting service is free of charge and without obligation.

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