FARNBOROUGH, UK, July 19, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Smiths Aerospace announces the delivery of the A380 landing gear extension and retraction system flight test hardware to Airbus France. The system includes both the mechanical engineering and electronic control of the landing gear deployment system. The first flight is scheduled for early 2005. The A380 is scheduled to enter into service in 2006.
John Ferrie, president, Smiths Aerospace commented, "By integrating our mechanical and electronic capabilities, we provide both the brain and the muscle to deploy and retract the A380's landing gear. We are committed to a long and successful relationship with Airbus."
About the landing gear extension & retraction system: This programme includes the design, development, certification support and manufacturing of a fully integrated system which will control the deployment and retraction of the aircraft nose, main and wing landing gears, including sequencing and operation of the associated door components. Smiths will also provide comprehensive product support from entry into service. The programme brings together Smiths' skills in systems integration and programme management, hydraulic and electrical actuation, electronics and software control. The work will primarily be carried out in Cheltenham, UK in conjunction with Smiths Aerospace facilities in Whippany, New Jersey, Long Island, New York and Yakima, Washington.
Smiths systems on the A380: From 2006, when the first aircraft are delivered to the airlines, these contracts are expected to generate more than $1 billion for Smiths over the lifetime of the aircraft.
Smiths systems on the A380 include:
-- Landing gear extension and retraction system (Cheltenham, UK) -- Landing gear actuation (Washington, US) -- Air generation system actuators (New Jersey, US) -- Wing flap & slat actuation (Wolverhampton, UK) -- Fabricated assemblies for the wing structure (Southampton, UK) -- Video switching multiplexer (Michigan, US)
About Smiths: Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group plc, is the leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, with more than 9,000 staff and $1.6 billion revenues split between Europe and North America. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and are world-leaders in electronic and mechanical systems, precision components and customer services. www.smiths-aerospace.com