Saab signs contract with Airbus for A350-1000 flap support structures

Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract with Airbus to become a supplier for the A350-1000 during the life of the programme. The agreement covers design, development and manufacturing of the flap support structures for the A350-1000. Saab is the single-source supplier for these components. The deal has an initial order value of approximately SEK 1, 1 billion (approx USD 150 million) based on the current A350-1000 order backlog.

This is Saab's first system win on the new Airbus aircraft and gives Saab a key role on this fast-growing aviation programme.
“This marks a break-through on yet another Airbus platform confirming our expertise and competitiveness as a global actor on the commercial aviation market. With this contract we further cement Saab as an important and long-term partner to Airbus and we look forward to working with Airbus on the game-changing A350-1000 programme," says Lars Jensen, head of Saab's business unit Aerostructures.
Flap support structures link the landing flaps to the wing trailing-edge structure and allow the deployment of the flaps during the take-off and landing phases.
Saab is responsible for the design, development, stress analysis and manufacture of the flap support structures as well as the development and procurement of production tools. The work package comprises both metallic and composites content with a high degree of complex assembly included. The development and production will take place at the Saab Aerostructures facility in Linköping, Sweden. First delivery is scheduled for 2015.
At Saab about 500 employees work with the development and production of complex airframe assemblies for the world's leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus and Boeing. In addition to the flap support structures for the A350-1000 Saab supplies the mid and outer wing leading-edge for the Airbus A380 plus ailerons and doors for other Airbus and Boeing aircraft.