Rolls-Royce acquired Hyper-Therm High Temperature Composites Inc. (Hyper-Therm HTC), a producer of state-of-the-art composite materials, including ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs), engineered coatings and thermal-structural components. The use of these new materials in gas-turbine engine components offers the benefits of strength at higher temperatures to reduce the requirement for cooling air. CMCs are also typically one-third of the density of nickel superalloys, which could significantly reduce the weight of components. Hyper-Therm HTC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Rolls-Royce based in Huntington Beach, Calif.