Carbon brakes for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family: a world first

Messier-Bugatti (SAFRAN Group) has successfully completed the certification tests for its wheels and carbon brakes intended for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family of twinjets. All the advantages of carbon brakes are now available for all versions of this family: 737-600, 737-700, 737-800, 737-900 and 737-900ER.

The Sepcarb®III OR (Oxidation Resistant) carbon brake by Messier-Bugatti, a worldwide best-seller, will enter service this week on a Delta Air Lines 737-700.

Messier-Bugatti is the only brake manufacturer in the world to offer this technology as an alternative to steel brakes. It is targeting a potential market of several thousand aircraft, either new or retrofits on aircraft already in service, worth up to $3 billion for SAFRAN.

Carbon brakes offer a host of advantages: commonality across the entire Next-Generation 737 fleet, cost-competitiveness, lighter weight, longer endurance (average of 2,200 landings per overhaul/LPO) and faster turnaround time for the aircraft after landing.

These carbon brakes will save up to 320 kg per aircraft, which means that airlines can reduce their CO2 emissions and cut fuel consumption, saving about $50,000 per year per aircraft.

Messier-Bugatti has been recognized as one of Boeing's "Silver" suppliers, representing fewer than 2% of the aircraft manufacturer's suppliers, and capable of delivering 98% of equipment on time, with a quality rate of 99.7%.