Another F-22 Part Is Converted to the Casting Process

Citation

(2002), "Another F-22 Part Is Converted to the Casting Process", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774cab.030

Another F-22 Part Is Converted to the Casting Process

Keywords: Howmet Castings, Casting, Titanium, Aircraft

Alcoa recently announced that Howmet Castings, an Alcoa business, has been awarded new contracts for large titanium castings for the F-22. The contracts, issued by Boeing Aircraft and Missiles, cover LOT 2 procurements for existing Side of Body and Aileron castings. The order includes a new component, the F-22 Arresting Gear. Delivery of first-article casting is scheduled for October 2002. The value of these contracts totals $8 million.

According to Williain Lahavich, Howmet's director, airframe sales and marketing, a growing number of airframe components are being converted to castings because they save time and money. "Howmet supplies an increasing number of components for airframe applications. We find that, generally, airframers will not proceed with a conversion unless cost savings of 30 per cent or more are realized. It is also typical to realize cycle-time advantages of 50 per cent".

However, factors beyond cost savings and production speed are accelerating the conversion to castings. These factors include advances in casting process control, inspection techniques and end-product predictability, all of which enhance product quality. "We are making inroads with customers on 'design allowables', which permit the use of castings in fracture-critical applications. These shifts, coupled with Howmet's ability to offer design services and finshed-to-print capabilities, extend to the customer a complete supply-chain solution" Lahavich says.