IAI To Rewire U.S. Air Force Eagles
The Lahav division of Israel Aerospace Industries has joined forces with Fort Worth, Texas-based InterConnect Wiring to win a contract worth more than $50 million from the Defense Supply Center Richmond. IAI Lahav will act as subcontractor to InterConnect in a five-year program that provides packages for the F-15 electrical power distribution system rewire program. Deliveries are to begin early next year.
Farnborough Aerospace Group Launches Web Site
Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) has launched a new Web site (www.ukadcap.org.uk) aimed at providing global access to a list of UK aerospace and defense companies. The site provides a free search function to help people to identify the many capabilities to be found among FAC member companies.
With an initial database of around 800 firms, the Aerospace and Defence Capabilities database (ADCAP) enables companies to promote their services internationally, free of charge. Ultimately, ADCAP hopes to include other UK industry trade organizations so the service can be offered to the entire UK aerospace and defense supply chain.
Nonprofit FAC was established in 1998 and provides advice to around 300 members and other partners, mainly located in the southeast of England. Members include BAE Systems, Thales, Cobham and Qinetiq. The group also has representation in the Middle East, India and China.
Bombardier Completes Learjet 85 Validation Unit
Bombardier Aerospace has announced the successful completion of the first all-composite manufacturing validation unit (MVU) for the pressure fuselage section of the new Learjet 85 mid-size business jet. Launched in October 2007, the Learjet 85 will be the first Bombardier jet and first business jet designed for type certification under the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration FAR Part 25 to use composite materials for all external primary structures. The MVU, which will be used to validate the design concepts, manufacturing processes and quality, was built in Montreal but will soon be transferred to its permanent home at the new Learjet 85 facility at Queretero, Mexico, where a second MVU will be built.
Eurocopter To Make Airbus A350 XWB Doors
Eurocopter last week signed an agreement with sister company Airbus for the development and production of all Airbus A350 XWB doors. The deal, valued at approximately $1.88 billion over the life of the program, includes all passenger and cargo door systems of the twin-aisle aircraft. Inking the contract were Airbus’ Klaus Richter, executive vice president for procurement, and Eurocopter Deutschland CEO Wolfgang Schoder.
Eurocopter’s center of excellence for airplane door systems in Donauwörth, Germany, has already started shifting from metal to composite materials. Once series production starts, it will secure up to 500 jobs in Donauwörth and the surrounding region. Eurocopter has subcontracted some work to partners in South Korea. Delivery of the first test door is planned for late this year.
