UTC Aerospace Systems Unveils First Chromate-Free REACh-Compliant Landing Gear Corrosion Protection Coating For Steel Parts On Commercial Airplanes

PARIS AIR SHOW, Paris, June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), announced today that it has developed a non-chromate landing gear corrosion protection primer incorporating its patented EcoSky™ pigment. The pigment and primer are more environmentally friendly and compliant with the European Union's REACh regulations. The company's new chromate-free primer is a first for use on steel parts for commercial airplanes and is being developed in concert with United Technologies Research Center (UTRC).

The new primer performed as well as or better than existing chromate primers in laboratory testing and is currently in field evaluation with Porter Airlines. Following the 16-month inspection, the Porter Airlines landing gear are operating normally and showing no signs of coating deterioration or corrosion. UTC Aerospace Systems is continuing to monitor the primer's performance in field evaluation with Porter Airlines and assess next steps for commercialization.

In addition to the non-chromate primer, UTC Aerospace Systems is also implementing Zinc Nickel plating for steel components as a drop-in replacement for Cadmium and Titanium Cadmium in support of the REACh sunset dates. Its first application will be on the A350-1000 main landing gear.

"As aircraft manufacturers, OEMs and MROs work to comply with the EU's REACh regulations, we're happy to work with our customers on these innovative new solutions to help them succeed in achieving their goals," said Landing Systems President Jim Wharton.

"This is part of UTRC's mission—to quickly transition world-class science and technology to our businesses enabling industry-unique solutions for our customers," said Steve Tongue, Senior Director, UTC Aerospace Systems Program Office, UTRC. "There are significant technology hurdles to overcome within the aerospace industry as we work to meet these vital REACh requirements. We still have a long way to go, but are encouraged by the recent advances we've made."

About UTC Aerospace Systems
UTC Aerospace Systems is one of the world's largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and defense products. UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries, supporting a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utcaerospacesystems.com or follow us on Twitter: @utcaerosystems

About United Technologies Research Center 
As the innovation hub of United Technologies Corp. (UTC), United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) supports the development of new technologies and capabilities across the company and collaborates with external research organizations, universities and government agencies globally to push the boundaries of science and technology. Further, UTRC leads the monetization of UTC's intellectual property through business model innovation. UTRC is headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut, with additional operations at its affiliate in Berkeley, California, and its subsidiaries in Shanghai, China; Rome, Italy; and Cork, Ireland. UTC, based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. Learn more at www.utrc.utc.com.

About United Technologies Corporation
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. By combining a passion for science with precision engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC

SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems