Delivering for Defense
Spirit AeroSystems’ experience, design-build leadership and cost efficiencies appeal to defense prime contractors working to produce innovative military aircraft. As a reliable and trusted partner, Spirit helps reduce the risk in new development programs while delivering superior performance and reliability for warfighters.
Program Innovation
From commercial derivatives to redesigned platforms and new manufacturing technologies, Spirit is leading the way. Spirit AeroSystems designs, engineers and manufactures structural components for military programs, including Boeing’s P-8, C-40 and KC-46 tanker, all of which are commercial aircraft modified for military use. Spirit is also involved in the development of the Sikorsky CH-53K, Bell Helicopter V-280 Valor tiltrotor and the Northrop Grumman B-21.
Boeing KC-46A
Aerial Refueling Tanker Aircraft
A military derivative of the Boeing 767, Spirit has manufactured the tanker’s forward fuselage (Section 41), strut and nacelle components, and the fixed leading edge since 2013. Spirit assisted in the design of the next-generation tanker, which will replace the aging KC-135 Stratotanker fleet.
Boeing P-8A Poseidon
In 2016, Spirit began production of the P-8A, a derivative of the Boeing 737. The program demonstrates Spirit AeroSystems’ unique capability to build military-specific aircraft using decades of experience building the 737, making the P-8A more affordable and of the highest quality possible.
Lockheed/Sikorsky CH-53K® King Stallion
In June 2018, Spirit AeroSystems delivered the final System Demonstration Test Article (SDTA) CH-53K® fuselage to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, for the U.S. Marines. Major assembly on the fuselage for SDTA six, the final SDTA helicopter, is underway. Spirit is responsible for the assembly of the entire cockpit and cabin and delivering the complete fuselage to Sikorsky. The lightweight composite fuselage structure supports the Marines’ needed additional heavy-lift capability with triple the load-carrying capacity of the current CH-53E Super Stallion. The new heavy-lifter will allow the U.S. Marine Corps and international militaries to move troops and equipment from ship to shore, and to higher-altitude terrain, more quickly and effectively than ever before.
Bell Helicopter V-280
Spirit’s unique capability to design, build and deliver with the highest quality, lowest possible cost and speed to market was demonstrated when the company designed and assembled the first all-composite Bell V-280 Helicopter fuselage in only 22 months. As a proud member of Team Valor, Spirit developed the fuselage, comprised of aluminum sub-substructure with composite skins, at our rapid-prototyping facility in Wichita, Kansas.
Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider
Spirit AeroSystems is proud to be a member of the B-21 Raider industry team—a program vital to national security. Spirit has a long history of supporting long-range strike capability for the warfighter and is pleased to build on that legacy as a member of the B-21 Raider team.
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