Goodrich awarded JSTARS contract

Goodrich Corporation has been awarded a contract to supply products and services in support of the US Air Force's Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft fleet re-engining program.

According to Curtis Reusser, President of Goodrich's Aerostructures division, ‘This contract is the long expected fulfilment of the modernisation of the JSTARS fleet, increasing the aircraft's performance and efficiency and extending its life.

‘We expect that this modernisation will lead the way to re-engining other Boeing 707 military assets including the US Air Force's AWACs.’

The re-engining program is designed to improve the fuel efficiency, extend the range and reduce the noise and exhaust emissions of the fleet of 19 US Air Force JSTARS aircraft.

In 2002 Goodrich was selected by Northrop Grumman after a best value competition was conducted under direction of the US Air Force. Northrop had selected Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219 engines equipped with Goodrich's nacelle system components to modernise its JSTARS aircraft fleet.

JSTARS is a long-range, air-to-ground surveillance system that locates, classifies and tracks ground targets in all weather conditions. JSTARS consists of an airborne platform with a multi-role radar system and mobile ground station modules. The airborne platform is a modified Boeing 707 aircraft designated as the E-8C.

Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems is the prime contractor to the air force on the program. Pratt & Whitney and Seven Q Seven (SQS) have a joint venture to produce and deliver the commercial-off-the-shelf, FAA- certified, JT8D-219 propulsion pod for Joint STARS and other military programs. Pratt & Whitney will provide the JT8D-219 engines while SQS provides the remainder of the propulsion pod. Goodrich will supply propulsion pod components including the inlet cowls, thrust reverser systems and equipment installation for the engine and struts.