[Peter Matteson]

Originally Posted by Stu Bloom

Other teams don't have to be able to buy something that you make - they only need to be able to obtain the same raw materials (as you noted later in <R41>).

As I am certain you know Al, the rules can change from year to year. While I would be very surprised to see any change in <R41>(quoted above), it is possible. That being said, please note that rule applies to purchased parts, not something custom fabricated by a team or team sponsor. Also, could you please cite any recent rule that prohibits "exotic" materials? I know hazardous materials are prohibited, but I don't recall any recent ruling on (or definition of) exotics.

I believe Al is refering to the older rule that <R41> replaced. They relaxed it to the quoted version 3-4 years ago. Prior to that exotic materials were not allowed. Those included CF, Ti and Magnesium among others. Now as long as anyone can call a distributor and purchase it you can use it.

Also correction to my above post it was the 777 which was the first composite tail aircraft. And the reasons for the weight are as Tristan said, however do to the impacts from a FIRST game I too would tend to use thicker layups.

Also just for the fun of it a video of CF failure testing:
http://cervelo.tv/
Launch the player and watch "A crushing blow"