Engineering Enhancements and Component Repair Development at BBA Aviation ERO Lead to Customer Benefits

Oct. 19, 2009
Point of use Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) capabilities have been developed for Honeywell engines at the company’s Heritage Park facility.

Orlando, Florida…October 19, 2009…BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO) engineering programs keep the company at the forefront of engine and component repair technology that will benefit customers through reduced turn-times and lower cost.

“The engineering behind our repair processes is the key to keeping us at the forefront of engine repair technology,” commented BBA Aviation ERO President Hugh McElroy. “To accommodate our many locations and diverse engineering demands, we have a coordinated effort across ERO that facilitates sharing of technical information and best practices on technical advancements and product development.”

The result of these efforts is reflected in a number of new advancements implemented in 2009 that include:

• Rolls-Royce Spey/Tay compressor and turbine build via new “smooth jet” alignment-build technology promises to significantly reduce on-wing vibration and is an industry first for these engines.

• Expanded in-house component repair capability for the application of a Pratt & Whitney Canada proprietary coating process on PW300 and PW500 components will be of direct benefit to engines now entering their initial overhaul cycle.

• Implementation of “predictable build standards” – an engineering term referring to robust build techniques that ensure optimal reliability, quality and technical excellence. The benefit is consistently meeting customer expectations for reduced cost, reduced turn time and superior on-wing engine performance.

• Point of use Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) capabilities developed for Honeywell engines at the company’s Heritage Park facility.

• Installation of a new micro-plasma robotic welding capability enabling ultra high quality welds to be made with very precise heat affected zones. This is of key importance on critical repairs such as rotating knife edge seals ranging from the smallest to the largest diameter seals in gas turbine engines.

• New in-house airfoil coatings technology for programs such as Rolls-Royce Spey/Tay turbine blades are serving to significantly shorten ERO’s engine turn time and provide new component repair services for third parties.

“These are just a few examples of engineering advancements that we have recently implemented to ERO’s engine build technology by our component repair group. We strive for step function improvements in cost, engine efficiency and reliability for our customers,” stated McElroy.

Additional information about BBA Aviation ERO engine repair and overhaul services can be found by calling +1 214-956-3001 in the U.S.A., +44 (0)23 9230 4000 in the U.K., or viewing the company website at www.BBAAviationERO.com.BBA Aviation’s engine repair and overhaul companies are primarily engaged in the repair and overhaul of gas turbine engines plus parts support. Under the name Dallas Airmotive, the company operates facilities at two locations in Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area plus its Premier Turbines division in Neosho, Missouri and its H+S Aviation affiliate in Portsmouth, England. Dallas Airmotive also maintains a network of Regional Turbine Centers across the United States, Brazil and in England. The combined companies form a world leading, OEM-authorized, independent provider of services for Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A/T, JT15D, PW100, PW300, PW500 and PW901 APU; Rolls-Royce Spey, Tay and Model 250/T63/T703; General Electric CF34, CT7/T700, and J85; Honeywell TFE731, HTF7000, CFE738, ALF502L engines, and the Honeywell Model 36, 331-200/250 and RE100 series APUs; and the Hamilton Sundstrand T40-1 APU. In addition to its overhaul and repair facilities, BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul operates two parts supply companies: International Turbine Service (ITS) and Barrett Turbine Engine Company. Headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, the combined companies employ more than 1,100 personnel who service business aviation, regional airline, military and government agencies worldwide. For more information, please visit www.BBAAviationERO.com.BBA Aviation plc is a publicly held corporation traded on the London stock exchange. BBA Aviation serves two primary markets – Flight Support and Aftermarket Services and Systems. Flight Support includes refueling, cargo handling, ground handling and other services to business and commercial aviation customers. The Aftermarket Services and Systems activities include repair and overhaul of turbine engines, supply of aircraft parts, design, manufacture and overhaul of landing gear, aircraft hydraulics and other aircraft equipment. Operating companies and their subsidiaries include Dallas Airmotive, Signature Flight Support, ASIG, APPH, Premier Turbines, International Turbine Service, International Governor Services, Ontic, Barrett Turbine Engine Company, and H+S Aviation. For more information, visit www.bbaaviation.com.