Airbus has selected a joint Honeywell and Dunlop Aerospace team to supply the wheels and brakes for the ultra-large A380 airliner. The team will also supply in-service support for the components.
Honeywell values the contract at $1.5 billion over 25 years, of which $700 million will accrue to the US company. A Messier-Bugatti/Goodrich team also competed.
Roger Wolfe, Honeywell Aircraft Landing Systems vice-president, says Honeywell and Dunlop will use a new metal matrix composite material and high-density carbon to meet strict weight requirements.
Honeywell will design and manufacture the main wheels, piston housing and some brake assembly components, while Dunlop will be responsible for the nose wheels, carbon heatpack and torque tube, he adds. The first prototype wheels and brakes are due for delivery in 2004.
Honeywell successes on the A380 include the flight management system and, with Snecma Control Systems, thrust reverser actuation. It will also offer an internet-accessible real-time database to manage wheel and brake supply and maintenance.
Source: Flight International
