United Technologies Corp.’s UTC Aerospace will design and manufacture nacelles for Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ forthcoming 787-10 program, the next variant in the Dreamliner series. Last week Boeing announced the 787-10 would be assembled exclusively at its North Charleston, S.C., plant, rather than at more than one site as it does with the preceding two versions of the 787.
The value of the contract was not announced.
The 787 Dreamliner is Boeing’s new, long-range wide-body twin-engine passenger jet. Boeing also claims it is its most fuel-efficient commercial aircraft, with a structure based on a large volume of composite materials helping to reduce fuel consumption by up to 20% versus similar-size jets.
One of the Dreamliners’ distinguishing design details is the scalloped nacelles (external engine housings), meant to reduce engine noise.
The 787-10 is the largest jet in the 787 series, nearly 225 feet long, with a range up to 7,000 nautical miles. The length of the design was cited as one reason for Boeing’s recent decision to assembly the jets in North Charleston only, rather than at both that plant and the Everett, Wash., site.
UTC Aerospace Systems' Aerostructures business supplies more than 20 proprietary parts for previous entries in the Dreamliner series, including nacelles, inlets, thrust reversers, fan cowls and exhaust systems.
Its new assignment covers design and manufacturing of nacelle systems for both the GE Aviation GEnx and Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine variants.
Also, UTC Aerostructures will provide aftermarket support of the 787-10 nacelle systems through its global network of MRO overhaul facilities and spares.
"After being part of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner journey from concept to production for the past 10 years, we're gratified Boeing has selected us to continue the next leg with them," stated Aerostructures president Marc Duvall. "With outstanding dispatch reliability for our nacelle components on the in-service 787-8, we look forward to providing Boeing with the nacelle systems for the newest member of its Dreamliner family."
