Pylon, Nacelle Work Expected To Generate $600 Million In Revenue

Goodrich Corporation recently received production contracts from Lockheed Martin and General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) to supply pylons and nacelle systems for the US Air Force C-5 Galaxy strategic airlifter Reliability Enhancement and Re-engining Program (RERP).

The contract is expected to generate $600 million in revenue for the 49 aircraft planned to be upgraded in the RERP, excluding any aftermarket revenue. Work will be performed by Goodrich's Aerostructures teams in Chula Vista and Riverside, CA and Foley, AL.

The Lockheed Martin contract calls for Goodrich to supply 36 pylons for nine aircraft in the RERP. Pylons are to be delivered in early 2009 through 2011, with follow-on contracts expected to cover an additional 160 pylons for the remaining 40 aircraft planned in the RERP.

Under the GEAE contract, Goodrich is expected to supply 196 nacelle systems to house the GE CF6-80C2 engines that will power all 49 C-5Ms in the RERP. In addition, Goodrich will perform engine buildup activities to ready the CF6s for installation; activities include installation of the hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical systems. Nacelle system deliveries are expected to begin in late 2009 and continue into 2015.

"Goodrich has been a key participant in the C-5 RERP program since its inception in 2000," said Greg Peters, President, Goodrich Aerostructures. "This critical modernization program is an important part of the Goodrich military business growth strategy. Our teams in Alabama and California look forward to leveraging our strong capabilities in the commercial nacelles business to satisfy our military customer."

Each Lockheed Martin C-5M transport aircraft will be powered by four GE CF6-80C2 engines; each engine requires a nacelle system and pylon. The US Air Force currently plans to re-engine 49 of its fleet of 111 C-5 aircraft through the year 2015.

The C-5 fleet has been the backbone of strategic airlift in every engagement since it entered service. It is the only aircraft capable of carrying 100 percent of certified air-transportable cargo, with a dedicated passenger compartment enabling commanders to have troops and their equipment arrive in an area of operation simultaneously. The C-5 can carry twice the cargo of other strategic airlift systems. With more than 70 percent of its structural service life remaining, the C-5M Super Galaxy will continue to be a force enabler through 2040.

FMI: www.goodrich.com