Goodrich to Develop Technology for STOVL F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Clutch

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 15, 2006 -- Goodrich Corporation has been awarded a research and development contract to apply its advanced friction material expertise to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Short Take-off, Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant's LiftFan(TM) clutch by Rolls-Royce.

According to Paul Walsh, Vice President of Goodrich's high temperature composites team, "We're honored to have been selected by Rolls-Royce to provide additional technology for this high-profile program. The F-35's clutch transmits power from the engine drive shaft, which Goodrich produces, to power the LiftFan which helps the plane perform short take-offs and vertical landings. Tremendous heat is generated during the short clutch engagement which is where our expertise comes into play. Our special high temperature composite materials function well in the extremes of this environment."

Goodrich has been supplying clutch friction material since the inception of the F-35 JSF program. This new research and development contract will involve Goodrich's high temperature composite team in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., its Aircraft Wheel & Brake team in Troy, OH as well as its Materials and Simulation Technical Center in Brecksville, OH, in the development of a longer life, higher performance clutch material.

In addition to this new research and development contract, Goodrich is providing the landing system for the Air Force's Conventional Take-off and Landing (CTOL) variant of the aircraft. As the landing systems integrator, Goodrich is responsible for the design, manufacturing and testing of unique landing systems for the STOVL and the Carrier Variant (CV) of the aircraft. Goodrich's Actuation Systems team provides the downlock and retract actuators for the landing gear system, and the wiring harnesses are also provided by Goodrich.

Furthermore, Goodrich is supplying: the Rolls-Royce LiftFan anti-icing system for the STOVL version of the aircraft; the LiftFan drive shaft also for the STOVL variant; the Rolls-Royce three-bearing swivel nozzle cross lock and up lock; the fuel quantity gauging components and the associated wiring harnesses; the weapons bay door drive system and the electronic control unit for the system; utility actuators; and the ice detection system. In addition, Goodrich is developing the air data system.

Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. For more information visit http://www.goodrich.com/.

GR - Engine Systems