Aircraft

Goodrich landing gear for Cessna Columbus a first

By John Croft

Cessna has contracted North Carolina-based Goodrich to build the landing-gear system for the $27 million Cessna Citation Columbus large-cabin business jet, set for entry into service in 2014.

Included in the deal are the main and nose landing gear, wheels and carbon brakes as well as the electronic control and steering system. Goodrich is a long-time wheel and brake supplier to Cessna, but this is its first landing-gear contract with Cessna.

© Cesssna

Goodrich's landing-gear team, which provides systems to Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, Gulfstream and other manufacturers, will provide overall system integration, completed main and nose landing-gear assemblies, actuation, control and steering systems and final assembly from its plants in Oakville, Ontario Canada and Krosno, Poland.

The company's aircraft wheels and brakes team in Troy, Ohio will supply the wheels, tyres, carbon brakes, brake control and other related braking components. Hardware deliveries to support rig testing are expected by mid-2009.

Other suppliers for the Columbus include Pratt & Whitney Canada for the PW810 turbofan engines and Rockwell Collins for the integrated avionics system.

Goodrich also recently signed a letter of intent with Rolls-Royce to explore the potential for a 50/50 joint venture that would supply engine controls for R-R engines.