The US Air Force C-130 aircraft fleet is to be retro-fitted with carbon brakes and boltless wheels to enhance performance, reduce weight and simplify maintenance procedures.
After completing its development, qualification and flight test processes, Goodrich Corporation has now received a production contract from Defense Logistics Agency Aviation to supply over 1,600 carbon brakes and over 1,400 boltless wheels with deliveries scheduled to commence in October 2011.
“Upon installation, C-130 pilots and mechanics will see immediate performance improvements and maintenance savings over the current equipment, increasing reliability and reducing life-cycle costs for the U.S. Air Force," said Jim Wharton, vice president of sales and program management of Goodrich's Aircraft Wheels & Brakes business.
Goodrich's C-130 carbon brakes provide lighter weight, longer life, higher performance and lower cost of ownership compared to steel braking systems.
The boltless aircraft wheels employ a lock-ring design, substantially lowering maintenance time and costs, in addition to reducing parts count, when compared to traditional bolted aircraft wheels.
Goodrich aircraft wheels and brakes are in service on more than 20,000 military, commercial, regional and business aircraft produced by manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
