Bombardier has chosen Austrian company FACC to make the radomes for its Challenger and Global aircraft, under a life-of-programme contract. FACC will begin the project in the third quarter of 2019, making its first deliveries in 2020.
“This contract is the next step in our long-standing relationship with Bombardier,” said Robert Machtlinger, CEO at FACC. “This contract represents our continued support of Bombardier, who has chosen FACC’s comprehensive expertise for the manufacture of the radomes. We see ourselves as a technological leader in the field of high-strength, lightweight components for civil aircraft.”
Radomes are parts of the cockpit section, protecting the radar antenna. Stability, weight and reliability – as well as minimal attenuation of the signal transmitted or received by the antenna – are critical features. In addition, parts must be strong enough to protect the radar antenna in a bird strike or hail, at high speeds.
FACC already produces aerostructures assemblies and cabin interiors for Bombardier. It supports the Challenger 350 and Global 7500 programmes, supplying products including wing-to-body fairings, rudders, bypass ducts, cabin linings and cabinets.
“We are proud to have been awarded this new contract, which matches perfectly with our strategy to widen our product portfolio,” said Stefan Schamberger, director of programmes and sales aerostructures at FACC. “It offers us the opportunity to broaden our relationship with Bombardier as one of its suppliers. We are thoroughly committed to supporting Bombardier in its future development.”
