The US Air Force’s fleet of C-130 aircraft will be fitted with boltless wheels and carbon brakes by Goodrich Corporation, under a new contract.

Goodrich’s DURACARB carbon braking systems are lighter weight, higher performance and cheaper than steel braking systems.

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The boltless aircraft wheels employ a lock-ring design that will enable the air force to reduce maintenance time, cost and parts count than traditional bolted aircraft wheels.

Goodrich Aircraft Wheels and Brakes president Brian Brandewie said that they believe the low-risk design and validation approach used by the Air Force will provide the C-130 community with significant performance, cost and maintainability benefits throughout the life of the programme.

The contract is expected to be worth $400m over the life of the programme including original equipment and aftermarket sales.

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