Goodrich says its selection to provide the engine-control system for the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 powering the Boeing 7E7 confirms the turnaround at the former TRW (Lucas) Aeronautical Systems unit in the UK, which it purchased in October 2002. It estimates the deal will generate more than $1 billion in original-equipment and aftermarket sales over 20 years.
Goodrich will supply the engine-control system as a risk- and revenue-sharing partner. Rival Hamilton Sundstrand, which is supplying the engine controls on the Trent 900 for the Airbus A380, will supply the gearbox - work valued at more than $350 million.
"Hamilton Sundstrand won the Trent 900 contract around the time we were acquiring Aeronautical Systems," says Goodrich chief executive Marshall Larsen. "We wanted to get back in there." The Birmingham, UK-based Engine Control Systems unit supplies equipment for other Trent variants and the latest deal "will solidify our relationship with Rolls-Royce", he says.
"After the acquisition, we knew we had to devote a lot more time and money to improving delivery reliability and quality. We are doing that and believe it gave Rolls-Royce confidence," says Larsen.
The Trent 1000 control system "has a more advanced, innovative design with significantly more functionality than [the unit] on the Trent 500", says Larsen, adding that the design emphasises quality, manufacturability and reliability. The Trent 1000 will be lead engine on the Boeing 7E7.
GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
