Rohr Profile -- A rich history
Goodrich Aerostructures started as Rohr Aircraft in 1940. Rohr's rich history as a highly respected supplier of engine-related components and structures to the aerospace industry has its roots in the aircraft boom of 1940. Company founder Fred Rohr, the "artist with metals" who fabricated the fuel tanks for Charles Lindbergh's fabled "Spirit of St. Louis," had a vision perfectly timed for the massive surge in military plane production prompted by World War II. As the aircraft industry exploded from an era of limited, largely experimental production into a tenfold buildup, Rohr saw a clear role for a manufacturing subcontractor that could provide the prime aircraft builders with major structural assemblies. Fred Rohr's vision became a reality on August 6, 1940. Today, after over 60 years of experience meeting the requirements of aerospace manufacturers and airline operators alike, Goodrich Aerostructures is the leading independent supplier of nacelle and pylon systems to the world's major commercial airframers and engine makers. Companies like Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, GE, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, IAE, and CFMI make up Aerostructures' customer base. Aerostructures also offers regional aftermarket support to over 450 airline operators.
Core products critical to ultimate aircraft performance
Our core products -- nacelles and pylons -- are critical to ultimate aircraft performance. These highly engineered structures embody the key interfaces between the jet engine and the airframe. Nacelles are the aerodynamic structures which surround jet engines. Pylons or "struts" are the structures that attach the jet engines to the aircraft. The design of these components directly impacts aircraft drag, weight, and fuel efficiency, as well as its ability to meet increasingly stringent airport noise regulations. Aerostructures does more than manufacture nacelles and pylons, however. We are a systems integrator -- managing the design, tooling, manufacture, certification, and delivery of complete nacelle systems in partnership with our airframe, engine, and airline customers. In addition, we have established and manage an expansive worldwide network of suppliers and has also created numerous international program alliances.
To better serve our customer base -- which includes more than 450 airline operators -- Aerostructures has an extensive network of field service representatives stationed around the globe. And through an overhaul and repair presence spanning three continents, Aerostructures Senhances its total service approach by providing regional aftermarket support.
Leading-edge technologies
Among the other resources Aerostructures has at hand are leading-edge manufacturing technologies such as advanced superplastic forming, metal and composite bonding, precision laser cutting, liquid interface diffusion bonding, and high-temperature brazing.
In short, we are a seasoned, international, full-service supplier with the expertise to team with customers from a product's early conception through every phase of its life cycle.
Product Development Teams focused on life cycle reliability
The key to a successful product lies in teaming essential functions at the appropriate stage of a product's development. For a new program, this means close coordination with the customer by a combined Aerostructures Group team as the program is first taking shape. This team consists of the component and tool designer, the manufacturing and quality engineer, the supplier who will be assisting in the program -- whoever is essential. These team members form a small cohesive unit responsible for addressing all of a major nacelle component's life cycle requirements. Using rapid manufacturing techniques to build the first articles, this team's efforts are proven on the factory floor. With their support disciplines, these Product Development Teams hone the initial design concept into the final build package for entry into production.
A bright future
Aerostructures competitive advantages -- leading-edge manufacturing technologies, and dedicated Lean Product Development Teams that ensure an orderly and stable production process and greatly reduced life cycle costs -- make us the supplier of choice for nacelle and pylon systems. That's why approximately 90 percent of the world's commercial aircraft rely on our products as part of their nacelle or pylon systems. Aerostructures
future prospects are as promising as its glittering past. World air traffic is expected to grow 4.8% per year from 2006 to 2024. Airframe manufacturers are projecting almost 26,000 passenger and cargo airplanes will be delivered over the next two decades to accommodate this expected growth in traffic. And we are well positioned to participate in this upturn.
Boeing has chosen us to design and manufacture nacelle system for its new family of 787 Dreamliner airliners. Since launch, these ultra-efficient jets have gotten off to the best start of any airplane project Boeing has ever had.
Airbus meanwhile, has selected us as the nacelle system supplier for the
new Airbus 350 airliner. Airbus estimates a requirement for 3,100 aircraft in the A350's market segment over the next 20 years.
Aerostructures rich history and future potential make it a premier supplier of engine-related components and structures to the aerospace industry into the 21st Century.
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