U.S. completion and MRO specialist GDC Technics (Stands 1130, 1756; Pavilion 12) announced at the Dubai Airshow winning a demonstration contract from the U.S. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLMC) for an advanced wingtip technology solution for the C130J and C-5. The award stems from a GDC presentation made in partnership with the Aircraft Performance Company (APC) at the AFLCMC Pitch Day in Dayton, Ohio in the U.S. earlier this month.
The advanced wingtips “will significantly improve the performance of the C-5 and C-130J, while decreasing fuel consumption of the aircraft,” said GDC Technics CEO Brad Foreman. “No structural modification is required to the wing, which makes this solution quick and easy to install.”
The wingtip is currently in flight test on an A330, and the company expects FAA and EASA certification in early 2020. No monetary figures or timeline for the contract were disclosed.
“We’ve completed successful simulation and wind-tunnel testing on multiple civilian and military platforms, and we are eager to serve the U.S. Air Force with this solution,” said Mohammed Alzeer, APC chairman, adding that he foresees the wingtips “spanning business, commercial, and military aviation.”
Meanwhile, GDC also said at the show that it had signed a letter-of-intent with Air India Engineering Services "with the aim of forming a long-term strategic alliance partnership to pursue MRO and modification opportunities for both the country's flag carrier, Air India, and other commercial aircraft throughout the region."