Technology Development
Since 1995 Fokker Landing Gear has been actively engaged in the development of technology for the application of thick-walled Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) in single load path, flight critical primary structural components typical for landing gears. The development is done in a structured manner, not limited to component design, analysis and qualification but also covering area’s such as affordability, manufacturability, inspection methods, damage tolerance and other areas essential for a safe and successful introduction in operation. 2010, FLG signed an agreement with Goodrich Landing Gear for the design, development and qualification of a complete PMC drag brace system for the F35 Lightning II CTOL and STOVL variants.
Our continued efforts in this development have brought PMC technology on Landing Gear to a readiness level where various applications can now be qualified and certified against typical FAA / EASA requirements, unleashing an impressive potential of proven benefits:
Aircraft Performance
- Increased performance due to weight reductions of up to 30%
- Increased durability and robustness of Landing Gear
- Elimination of typical metal Corrosion and Cracking
Economics
- Lower component Direct Maintenance Cost of up to 30%
- Lead time reductions of 50% or more
- Lower aircraft Direct Operating Cost due to lower weight
Environment
- Less CO2 emissions (up to 1 million kilos over aircraft life)
- No chemical treatments during production (Nickel, Chromium, Cadmium)
- Substantial Noise reduction from landing gear, due to acoustic design optimization