Honeywell and GKN Aerospace’s Netherlands-based business unit Fokker Landing Gear confirmed that the two companies have entered into an agreement for the creation of a maintenance centre for servicing of the Honeywell wheel and brake systems on the F-35. The agreement included licensing and supply contracts.
In an announcement, Honeywell confirmed that the non-exclusive deal is expected to last for 10 years and cover the whole European market.
GKN Aerospace is expected to support Honeywell with repairs and maintenance on the wheel and brake systems throughout the life of the deal. It is hoped that the logistical benefits of the deal will reduce the F-35 operating costs.
Cooper Cullen, senior director for defense and space EMEAI, Honeywell Aerospace welcomed the benefits of the agreement for the F-35 users in Europe.
“Our licence agreement with GKN Aerospace will provide considerable benefits to both owners and operators of the F-35 in Europe,” Cullen said.
“There are currently an estimated 126 F-35 aircraft in Europe, with more than 450 aircraft forecasted in 10 years’ time. A dedicated repair, overhaul and maintenance facility was needed in Europe that can service this large fleet, as opposed to sending every asset to the US, which not only incurs significant time and cost, but also affects operational readiness.”
Suku Kurien, program director, Lockheed Martin, GKN Aerospace, outlined that there will be significant synergies between the operators.
“There was an urgent need in the region for a service center able to provide repair, maintenance and overhaul of the F-35 wheels and brakes for the European market locally, thus our partnership with Honeywell will provide immense cost and time savings for F-35 operators and owners,” Kurien said.
“Additionally, we can leverage Honeywell’s extensive knowledge and know-how and our expertise in this area, resulting in a win-win proposition for all.”
