FACC to manufacture radomes for Airbus A220

Austria-based FACC, a technology partner of the aerospace industry, has been commissioned by Bombardier Aviation to manufacture radomes also for the Airbus A220, in addition to the Bombardier Challenger and Global business jet families.

Deliveries for the A220 commercial aircraft are scheduled to start in 2020.

Bombardier and FACC can look back on a long-standing partnership as the Upper Austrian aerospace company has been collaborating with the Canadian aircraft manufacturer ever since it was founded 30 years ago.

Over the years, FACC has developed into a renowned partner to Bombardier through continuous innovation and efficient state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

Robert Machtlinger, CEO of FACC, said: “We are very proud to be represented on the Airbus A220 alongside Bombardier’s industry-leading aircraft. The contract to manufacture the A220 aircraft radomes confirms that we are on the right track by continuously optimizing our processes through targeted investments and meeting the high quality requirements at a best-in-class level.”

FACC manufacture the radomes for the Airbus A220 under a life-of-program contract.

Radomes are part of the cockpit section, protecting the radar antenna. Stability, weight, reliability as well as minimal attenuation of the signal transmitted or received by the antenna are critical features of these components. In addition, parts must have high-strength properties to protect the radar antenna in the event of a bird strike or hail at high speeds.

The contract to manufacture the radomes for the A220 strengthens FACC’s position as an important technology partner to Bombardier. In addition to the radomes, FACC already supplies the Bombardier Challenger 350 and Global 7500 programs with various technologies and products from wing-to-body fairings and rudders to bypass ducts, cabin linings, cabinets etc.

Andreas Furthmayr, vice president program & sales aerostructures, commented: “We are delighted that Bombardier is now relying on our comprehensive expertise, not only for the Bombardier Challenger and Global aircraft, but also for the production of aircraft radomes for the Airbus A220. This allows us to further expand our product range in the area of high-strength lightweight components and consolidate our successful cooperation with Bombardier for many years to come.”