GKN Aerospace repairs European F-35 fleet's wheels and brakes
GKN Aerospace announced today the first delivery of F-35 Lightning II wheels and brakes assemblies serviced and maintained at its GKN Fokker landing gear facility in The Netherlands.
Above:
An F-35 Lightning II. Servicing of wheels, brakes and struts in the Netherlands marks first MRO work for the F-35 fleet in Europe.
Courtesy GKN Aerospace
This delivery marks the first shipset of its contract to service and maintain wheels, brakes and strut assemblies for the F-35 fleet in Europe.
Shawn Black, President of GKN Aerospace Defence Business said: ”This is a tremendous step in expanding the F-35 industrial base while shortening maintenance times in Europe and increasing international partnership in the programme. We look forward to continuing our work with Lockheed Martin in supporting this vital multi-role fighter in Europe and the Pacific.”
GKN Aerospace’s Fokker business received the contract award to maintain and service the F-35 landing gear from the Joint Program Office due to its extensive experience in landing gear maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) in other platforms including the F-16 and the NH-90 helicopter.
Along with maintenance activities, the landing gear business is also involved in the design and manufacturing of the F-35 arresting gear and the development of the F-35 composite landing gear drag brace.
GKN Aerospace has been involved in the F-35 programme since the start and has designed and manufactured electrical wiring interconnected systems, flaperons, in-flight opening doors, cockpit canopy, air frame parts and arresting gear for all F-35 aircraft.