UTC Aerospace Systems Awarded U.S. Air Force Contract for F-15 Wheels and Brakes

UTC Aerospace Systems has been awarded a $22 million contract to provide the U.S. Air Force upgraded wheels and brakes for their 475 F-15 aircraft. The contract also has a follow-on option valued at an additional $30 million. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp.

The new UTC Aerospace Systems F-15 wheels and brakes feature the latest in technology and industry-leading innovation. The carbon brakes use proprietary DURACARB® carbon heat sink material that provides four times longer life than the current carbon brake. The boltless wheels employ a lock ring design, substantially lowering maintenance time and cost, in addition to reduced parts count, when compared to traditional bolted aircraft wheels.

The new F-15 wheel and brake equipment is scheduled to begin deliveries to the U.S. Air Force in the summer of 2016. The equipment will be offered in two versions - one for use on the F-15C/D aircraft, and the other for use on the heavier F-15E aircraft. Both are similar designs, and share a high degree of parts commonality.

"We are pleased the U.S. Air Force has selected our advanced wheel and braking system for their F-15 fighter aircraft," said Jeff Atkinson, director of Military Programs for UTC Aerospace Systems Landing Systems. "This selection demonstrates their confidence in our innovative and service-proven technology."

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.