Eaton Aerospace wins contracts for JSF and Raptor

Irvine, California-based Aerospace division of Eaton Corporation arrived at Le Bourget flush with orders to provide major sub components for several of the latest generation U.S. military aircraft programs.

For the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program Eaton is now the selected supplier for the nosewheel steering system that is built by Goodyear, the aircraft’s hydraulic power generation and wing fluid distribution system, the complete lubrication system for the F-35B STOVL variant’s loft-fan propulsion system, and a full range of its Aeroquip brand Ultra-Mate couplings for the new strike fighter’s fluid conveyance systems.

Eaton has additionally been selected by LM to develop a prototype program for the F-35’s new performance based logistics system.

Beyond this line of JSF contracts, the F-35’s LM-built big brother, the F/A-22, is equipped with more than 21 Eaton components, including 4,000-psi hydraulic power generation and flight control system components. Eaton is also responsible for providing the landing gear control module that incorporates night-vision technology, plus a unique system for monitoring fluid levels and presence of impurities in those fluids.

The company produces models of similar but more high-powered electromechanical and hydraulic actuators for larger transport aircraft. Currently more than 30 different Eaton components are onboard the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Airlifter.