Matt Hurd, owner of “Bombs Away LLC” spoke to the Stryker Rotary Club about his business. Matt, a machinist by trade, had an interest in aircraft and flying.
This interest led him to volunteer for a B-17 bomber crew helping to preserve the memory as well as the aircraft. His abilities as a machinist were especially important as he was tasked with making parts for the aircraft that were not available.
His experience and exposure to the people who visited the aircraft often had questions about the ordnance that was carried in the plane. Efforts to acquire these ordnances were unsuccessful giving Matt the idea to build replicas.
Matt also understood about lightweight molding materials that could be used in the fabrication process. He was able to create very authentic replicas that were up to ten times lighter that the original ordnance.
Matt has also patented his process of reproducing highly detailed accurate full-scale replicas using rigid polyurethane. He also told us that he gets help and support from his family.
What started as a hobby to improve the experience of the visitors to his aircraft has turned into a business of creating replicas for several customers including the military and entertainment industry.
We may have seen some of his work when viewing a movie or television show. Military organizations have also purchased his products and use them as training aids.
Matt started doing this type of work in 2000 and told the club he has made at least 25 replicas each year on average but was unsure just how many he had made in total.
He has built 16 different ordnance replicas and is always willing to try something new.
Matt is pictured with and spoke as a guest of Terry Wieland, Stryker Rotarian.