Goodrich Technology for A400M Military Transport Aircraft

Goodrich Corporation, CHARLOTTE: Airbus has selected Goodrich Corporation to supply the flap actuation package for its A400M military transport aircraft, and Aerolec (Goodrich's joint venture with Thales), will be supplying EADS-CASA with the main and auxiliary power unit electric generators for the aircraft's electrical power generation system. The flap actuation package consists of actuators and the associated transmission and gearboxes. The electrical power generation system includes Goodrich's variable frequency generators and control units. 
 
According to Brian Gora, President of Goodrich's Actuation Systems division, “The flap actuation contract marks the first win for Goodrich on the A400M and is very important to our Actuation Systems team. Goodrich has significant experience in high lift wing systems technology which will be key as we progress in this exciting program. In addition, the application of our Lean Product Development process has allowed us to identify significant opportunities for improvement in development costs and lead-time.” 
 
High lift wing surfaces are the flap and slat panels that move to alter airflow around the wings to aerodynamically assist ascent and descent of an aircraft. The purpose of the flap actuation system is to control the movements of the flap during take-off, approach, landing and, for military operations, during airdrop. The flap actuation system consists of two flaps with fixed vanes on each side of a wing. Two actuators drive each flap panel. The actuators are controlled by a hydraulic control unit, which drives the actuators through a series of transmission shafts and gearboxes. 
 
Goodrich provides primary and secondary flight control actuation systems for many wide-body and narrow-body jet aircraft including all current Airbus models. The company provides complete actuation systems and has developed a range of technology options including hydraulic, fly-by-wire and electric actuation. 
 
Mike Gardiner, President of Goodrich Power Systems division added, “We are delighted that Goodrich's position as a world-leading supplier of variable frequency power generation technology has been reaffirmed by this contract award. Goodrich has worked closely with EADS-CASA and our Aerolec joint venture partner, Thales, to secure this work, which follows Aerolec's success on the Airbus A380. This win clearly positions us as a key supplier of aircraft electrical power.” 
 
Variable frequency is a technology breakthrough in the generation of electrical power for aircraft. It delivers substantially reduced operating costs, lower weight and greatly increased reliability compared to previous constant frequency systems. Variable frequency was pioneered by Goodrich in the business jet marketplace and the first application of the technology on a large commercial aircraft is on board the Airbus A380. 
 
As well as delivering substantial benefits for operators, variable frequency is enabling important breakthroughs in aircraft systems technologies. The industry is recognizing the “more electric aircraft” concept and variable frequency is a key enabling technology. Goodrich's variable frequency technology delivers cost-effective, reliable electric power at high enough levels to operate more electric aircraft.  
 
Goodrich Corporation is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities.