Bombardier selected FACC to manufacture aircraft radomes

Austria-based FACC, a leading technology partner of the aerospace industry, has been awarded a contract from Bombardier Aviation to provide the radomes for certain Bombardier business aircraft programs. FACC will manufacture the radomes for the Challenger and Global business jet families.

"This contract is the next step in our long-standing relationship with Bombardier", said Robert Machtlinger, FACC CEO. "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."

The contract positions FACC as an important supplier on some of the industry's leading aircraft, and offering FACC additional opportunities in the aerostructures business segment. FACC will manufacture the radomes for the Challenger and Global programs under a life of program contract, to Bombardier's exact specifications. Project start is scheduled for Q3 2019 with production deliveries planned to begin in 2020.

Radomes are parts of the cockpit section, protecting the radar antenna. Stability, weight, reliability as well as minimal attenuation of the signal transmitted or received by the antenna are critical features of these components. In addition, parts must have high-strength properties to protect the radar antenna in the event of a bird strike or hail at high speeds.

FACC already produces aerostructures assemblies and cabin interiors for the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, and supports the Bombardier Challenger 350 and Global 7500 aircraft programs through the supply of a range of technologies and products from wing-to-body fairings, rudders, bypass ducts, cabin linings, cabinets etc. With an emphasis on investing in innovative manufacturing technologies and developing a cost competitive, efficient production line, FACC has worked diligently to align with Bombardier' quality and delivery requirements for its various aircraft families.

Stefan Schamberger, Director Programs & Sales Aerostructures at FACC said, "We are proud to have been awarded this new contract which matches perfectly with our strategy to widen our product portfolio. 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."