KIHOMAC Recognized for F-35 Advanced Travel Pod Innovation at 2024 Utah Innovation Awards
The 2024 Utah Innovation Awards recognized KIHOMAC, Inc., a leading aerospace engineering and manufacturing company, as runner-up in the Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, and Design category. This recognition highlights the company’s patented MXU-1072/A Advanced Travel Pod (ATP)—an aerospace solution built to meet the unique demands of 5th-generation F-35A fighter aircraft.
The F-35 Advanced Travel Pod innovation reflects KIHOMAC’s deep commitment to solving operational problems with practical, modern engineering. The ATP was the first travel pod designed specifically for 5th-gen fighters and built with composite materials instead of aluminum. This design allows for a stronger, lighter, and more damage-resistant pod with enhanced carrying capacity.
Over 20 months, KIHOMAC invested in internal R&D, engineering, and manufacturing to bring the ATP to life. The result is a fully certified product that supports the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept by improving aircraft self-sufficiency. The ATP is Airworthiness Certified and SEEK Eagle Certified, confirming its mission readiness.
Designed with input from Air Force maintainers, the pod includes:
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Multiple access points for faster load/unload
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Anti-roll stabilizers to improve safety
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A modular cargo stabilization system
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Larger openings to accommodate bulky tools and spare parts
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“We created this solution to directly support the F-35 community,” said Adam Grimm, KIHOMAC President and COO. “It improves logistics agility and aligns with how today’s warfighters operate in dynamic environments.”
The Utah Innovation Awards, hosted by Utah Business and Stoel Rives LLP, celebrate technologies that demonstrate market potential, innovation, and long-term impact. Each submission was judged by academic and industry peers on feasibility, scalability, and economic benefit.
KIHOMAC, based in Layton, Utah, is a Veteran-Owned Small Business serving the Air Force, Army, Navy, and other U.S. defense and commercial clients. With this recognition, KIHOMAC strengthens its position as a key contributor to aerospace modernization and logistics innovation.
