Collins Aerospace Secures Boeing Deal for Cutting-Edge F-15EX Wheel and Brake Systems
Collins Aerospace has announced its appointment by Boeing to deliver boltless wheels and carbon brakes for batches one to three on the F-15EX aircraft being produced for the U.S. Air Force. Collins’ components will replace the outdated wheels and brakes on the Boeing manufacturing line.
Collins has collaborated closely with the U.S. Air Force on the Wheel and Brake System Improvement (WBSI) initiative to engineer, develop, and certify the F-15 wheels and brakes while securing installation authorization from Boeing for the F-15C/D and F-15E model aircraft. After five years of service, Collins’ wheels and brakes persist in meeting or surpassing all U.S. Air Force performance benchmarks for the WBSI project. Collins aimed to minimize the lifecycle expenses throughout the aircraft’s lifespan while enhancing the durability of the wheel and carbon brakes.
“Our exceptional engineering team has designed and developed a cutting-edge wheel and carbon brake system that transforms the outdated systems currently in operation,” stated Matt Maurer, executive director of Landing Systems Military Wheels and Brakes for Collins Aerospace. “Our solution ensures a superior product that is sustainable, reliable, and economically viable for both the U.S. Air Force and Boeing.”
The Collins lock ring wheel and carbon brake system enhances thermal regulation for safer functionality and lowers lifecycle costs. This system boasts a fatigue life of 25,000 miles, 1,400 landings per overhaul, shorter maintenance intervals, and reduced peak brake fluid temperatures. The Collins wheel and brake innovation provides a product enhancement for its clients compared to the traditional wheels and brakes initially engineered in the early 1970s.
Collins stands out as a premier supplier of wheels and brakes for military platforms, encompassing the U.S. Air Force’s F-15, F-16, C-5, C-130, and Global Hawk fleets. Earlier in the year, the firm was tasked by the U.S. Air Force to design and produce a new wheel and carbon brake for the B-52. Collins has also accomplished wheel and brake upgrades for various air forces worldwide.
