Abstract: An airfoil assembly includes an airfoil body extending from a root to a tip defining a longitudinal axis therebetween. The airfoil body includes a leading edge between the root and the tip. A sheath is direct deposited on the airfoil body. The sheath includes at least one metallic material layer conforming to a surface of the airfoil body. In accordance with another aspect, a method for assembling an airfoil assembly includes directly depositing a plurality of material layers on an airfoil body to form a sheath. In accordance with some embodiments, the method includes partially curing the airfoil body.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber reinforced composite material includes cutting a plurality of reinforcing fibers to a selected length, directing the plurality of reinforcing fibers through a fiber alignment mechanism, orienting the plurality of reinforcing fibers in a selected direction via the fiber alignment mechanism, and adhering the aligned plurality of reinforcing fibers to a substrate material to form the fiber reinforced composite material. A system for manufacturing a fiber reinforced composite material includes a feed mechanism to direct a substrate material along a selected path, a cutting mechanism to cut a plurality of reinforcing fibers to a selected length, and a fiber alignment mechanism to orient the plurality of reinforcing fibers in a selected direction before adhering the plurality of reinforcing fibers to the substrate material.