Collins Aerospace extends supply contract with FACC

 

 

Collins Aerospace Systems (Cedar Rapids, Iowa, U.S.) has announced a ten-year contract extension with FACC (Ried im Innkreis, Austria), for the supply of thrust reverser translating sleeves for nacelles on the Airbus A350 XWB and Boeing 787 aircraft. 

In 2005, Collins Aerospace commissioned FACC to develop and manufacture thrust reverser translating sleeves for the Boeing 787 engine programs. One year later, FACC was also selected as the development and manufacturing supplier for the thrust reverser translating sleeves for the Airbus A350 XWB family.

The carbon fiber nacelle module developed by FACC and Collins Aerospace consists of the visible surface of the thrust reverser, the moveable blocker doors, an acoustically treated inner duct and a mechanical connection that is needed to operate the thrust-reverser doors. The design utilized newly developed materials and processes which the companies say resulted in further noise attenuation, weight reduction and a higher lifespan. So far, FACC reports that it has equipped nearly 1,000 Boeing and 400 Airbus airplanes with thrust reverser translating sleeves.

FACC will continue production of the translating sleeve modules in its automated center of competence for engine nacelles. The company says a clocked production line and lean operational processes contribute to maximum efficiency and stability in production.

 

 

“Collins Aerospace has been a valuable customer of FACC since our company was founded. We are delighted to be able to extend and strengthen our long-standing relationship with Collins Aerospace, collaborating with them in the supply of thrust reverser translating sleeves for the two aircraft programs,” says Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC. “This contract confirms our joint success and the mutual trust we have built up over the last 30 years. With our team's enthusiasm and commitment to excellence, we are able to provide Collins Aerospace with innovation at the highest technical level and best product support.”

“This is a key program for FACC, it further secures our relationship with Collins Aerospace and is therefore an important factor for our continued success on the engine platforms for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350 XWB,” says Günter Nelböck, VP of engines and nacelles at FACC. 

For more on FACC’s manufacturing facilities, see “FACC AG: Aerocomposites Powerhouse.”