Aero Precision announced that it has entered into an agreement with Metro Aerospace, a Dallas company with the exclusive license to supply Lockheed Martin’s Microvanes drag-reduction technology. Strategically surface-mounted on the aft body of rear cargo airframes, Microvanes reshape tail section airflow, reducing the significant amount of drag created on aircraft like the C-130, C-17, L-100, and KC-135.
“Aero Precision will extend awareness and adoption of Microvanes worldwide,” said Tricia D’Cruz, Managing Director of Metro Aerospace. “Currently in use by fleets across five continents, Microvanes have been proven to reduce fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and engine wear through lower turbine inlet temperatures. As a result, fleets that use them have successfully extended time on mission and increased both range and payload capability, while also reducing refueling, allowing them to get on target faster.”
The Lockheed Martin Service Bulletin 82J-53-042 cites Microvanes’ ability to reduce base drag and provide for a significant increase in fuel efficiency. Aero Precision will procure Microvanes ahead of demand and aim to reach customers around the globe to offer this performance-based enhancement that also pays for itself through the savings it creates.
“Technology innovations are crucial to generating efficiencies in aircraft operating performance,” added Scott Butler, Aero Precision Holdings LP, Vice President of Business Development. “With Microvanes from Metro Aerospace, C-130 aircrew and aircraft will not only save time but also witness the reduced cost of operations and extend the life of their aircraft.”
About Aero Precision
Aero Precision is a leader in aerospace distribution and services and a premier worldwide stocking distributor of aircraft OEM parts. In March of 2020 Aero Precision acquired Kellstrom Defense Aerospace, a global leader for defense aircraft sustainment through strategic distribution, component repair services, engineered products, and logistics solutions. The combined companies offer tip-to-tail solutions for rotary-wing, transport, and fighter aircraft to the global defense market and value-added solutions to provide mission readiness to customers. Partner agreements with Honeywell, Collins Aerospace (UTAS- Hamilton Sundstrand), CEF Industries, Safran, AMETEK, Lockheed Martin, Parker, Eaton, Champion Aerospace, Crane Aerospace, and other strategic OEM partners for various product lines to support 60+ partnering nations. Headquartered in El Segundo, CA with current operating locations in Camarillo, CA; Chatsworth, CA; Chula Vista, CA; Livermore, CA; Macon, GA; Miramar, FL; Cambridge, UK; Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
About Metro Aerospace
Metro Aerospace, LLC, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, holds the exclusive global license to manufacture and supply Microvanes, a technology invented and patented by Lockheed Martin. Microvanes bring performance enhancement and cost-reduction to both military and commercial operators for the C-130/L-100/C-17 aircraft and other rear cargo airframes. They have proven to be the single most cost-effective improvement for rear cargo aircraft with airdrop capability due to their low upfront cost, ease of installation, and minimal aircraft downtime. More information is available online www.metroaerospace.com.
In 2020, AllClear Aerospace & Defense brought together two of the industry’s leading companies, Aero Precision and Kellstrom Defense. With over 55 years of defense aircraft experience, AllClear is the industry’s leading provider of mission-ready aviation MRO and sustainment solutions to the military aftermarket, providing excellence to the U.S. military and its allies.