UTC Aerospace Systems to deliver new wheels and brakes to U.S. Air Force for 475 F-15 aircraft

UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp, will deliver new wheels and brakes to the U.S. Air Force for 475 of its F-15 aircraft, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in August.

The wheels and brakes feature the latest in technology and industry-leading innovation. The new carbon brakes will provide four times longer life than the current carbon brakes, through the use of proprietary DURACARB® carbon heat sink material. The boltless wheels employ a lock-ring design, substantially lowering maintenance time and cost, and requiring fewer parts, when compared to traditional bolted aircraft wheels.

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 have many parts in common.

"We are honored to deliver advanced wheels and brakes to our military, and look forward to providing increased performance and capability for the F-15 Eagle fleet," said Casey Canan, military group program manager for UTC Aerospace Systems Landing Systems. "The UTC Aerospace Systems F-15 main wheel and brake design and innovative technology provide improved thermal management for reduced life cycle cost."

The $22 million U.S. Air Force contract was awarded in November 2014.