ASAP Supply Chain Blog

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is has released new requirements for U.S. airlines operating older Boeing 737 Classic jets to would include regular inspections for widespread metal fatigue in the aft fuselage skins and replacements of some skin panels after 53,000 flight cycles of takeoffs and landings.

 The new FAA directives were in a special Boeing service bulletin that was sent last June to airlines operating 258 Boeing 737s; which are all at least 18 years old. Boeing stated

“that at points where the aft fuselage skin is chemically milled to create pockets of thinner-gauge metal, the skin is subject over time to widespread metal fatigue — resulting in thin cracks in hidden parts of the aluminum skin that may not be detected during routine airplane inspections; As an airplane ages, widespread metal fatigue will likely occur, and will certainly occur if the airplane is operated long enough without any intervention.”

The new FAA requirements update a 2009 directive issued after an incident occurred on a Southwest 737 flying from Nashville to Baltimore; whereby, a hole opened in the fuselage of 737 which caused a rapid decompression of the passenger cabin. The pilots were able to land the plane safely with no injuries to anyone on board the plane. The cause of this incident was traced back to a fuselage tear; the result of a metal fatigue that caused the aluminum skin to separate along the edge of a chemically milled pocket. Further investigation by the FAA concluded that additional cracks were found in the fuselage skin panels as well as cracks at fastener holes. This incident led to the FAA to understand that metal-fatigue issues are more widespread than originally thought.

Previously, the FAA required inspections to add mandatory modifications; however, with the new safety requirements, replacement of some skin panels will be obligatory.  It will cost U.S. airlines an estimated $40 million and more to complete the inspections on all 285 airplanes. With the replacement of the skin panels increase the costs up to an additional $50 million.

The new FAA requirements are in no way related to a separate 2011 incident, when a 5-foot-long hole ripped open in the roof of a 737 Classic during another Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix. In that case, a National Transportation Safety Board investigation determined that it was caused not by aging metal but by “bad workmanship” during assembly of the airplane.

Asap Supply Chain is a proud supplier & distributor to companies involved in the aviation industry.  We always strive to supply our clients with essentials such as Bearing, Connector, Fasteners and NSN parts. At ASAP we are committed to customer satisfaction through continual improvement of product and service.

We conducted surveys with over 1100 individuals working with Fortune 500 manufacturers to small businesses and decided that purchasing professionals wanted one website to source national stock number parts, connectors, and fasteners. The only website that is able to put those purchase professionals as ease is ours; so visit our website for more information at www.asap-supplychain.com

We want our customers to enjoy the efficiency created by the concept of one-click purchasing, top quality products, and an entire process overlooked by representatives to ensure customer satisfaction is met entirely.

We offer over 5100 manufactures all over the word, complete purchasing solutions and guaranteed on-time delivery. Shipment of product especially for time sensitive applications with the most stringent quality and export protocols. This is the type of service other competitors lack. To reach a helpful representative and begin the purchasing process email sales@asap-supplychain.com or call +1-702-919-1616.

Maintaining Inventory is tedious and very precise work. Taking time to make these parts transparent takes steps to achieve. Common problems in today’s inventories all over are excess inventory, DMSMS, counterfeit products and obsolescence.

Evaluations early on helps prevent product obsolescence and DMSMS currently and further on in the future of the program. There are many ways to be precautions about counterfeit parts but never too careful. Here are some pointers on how to be on top of your inventory to excel in the present and future.

Plan and purchase parts for the long term of your establishment. Purchasing for the long run means to purchase parts intelligently and not purchase and excess of the same parts. The only upside to purchasing an abundant of the same parts or having them in stock is when it is beneficial to both parties; the customer and the supplier.  The down side to an abundant of the same stock could potentially lead to inventory sitting idle on the books or a potential and costly write-down.

Keeping Parts transparent is major key to your inventory to up par. Certifications tracing back to the OEM or Airline shows where it came from or originated. Airline traces such as the 121, 129, 145 represent what kind of Airlines they are coming from such as domestic, international, or a domestic repair stations. 8130s/ EASA 1 are Airworthiness Certifications allowing a piece to be Installed and flown with on an aircraft.

” Maintain a stringent and documented counterfeit mitigation program. Product with limited availability – particularly integrated circuits – is especially vulnerable to counterfeiting, and adds another level of risk for the manufacturer to maintain production continuity.”

Critical Strategies on how to maintain and clean inventory are highly recommended to create and keep ad well managed establishment. Long-term product surety often brings about unforeseen expenses that can burden an entire program. Avoiding disruptions to future production and preventing future product obsolescence and DMSMS problems requires an intelligent DMSMS management strategy, one that works to reduce the negative impact that obsolescence can have on a mission-critical programs.

For more information on Inventory of Aircraft Parts, List of top Aircraft manufacturer visit our website at www.asap-suppychain.com. Give us a call at  +1-702-919-1616. Our mission is to get you in the air ASAP!

The Boeing Company has recently made the decision to integrate an interface with multi-touch capabilities on the flight deck of the re-engined 777X widebody aircraft which is scheduled to enter into service in 2020. Future airline pilots on the Boeing 777X will have the opportunity to interact with their flight information displays in a similar way that they use their tablets and smart phones. This multi-touch interface will be replacing a touch-pad based cursor control device, or CCDs, which is mounted on the aisle-stand of the original 777 aircraft. The Boeing Company has not yet announced the supplier for these multi-touch interfaces.

This new technology will be implemented on to the 787’s five-display format in the 777X as Boeing transitions from a standard layout consisting of six displays in the 777 cockpit.

“We think we’re the first [commercial] airplane to really make something that is like all our customers are used to doing in their daily lives,” said the general manager and vice-president of the 777X program, Bob Feldmann.

In the past, the Boeing Company had previously proposed a touch screen display for use on the United States Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as an upgrade, though not for commercial airliners. Multi-touch interfaces have been growing in popularity among consumer electronics for multiple years. These interfaces allow its users to use their fingers in order to make commands such as pinch-to-zoom or other gesture-based features. While airline pilots currently have access to touch screens on tablet-based electronic flight bags, the flight and navigation information displays on even the most modern and newest aircraft types are still controlled by bevel switches or CCDs.

“They all want to go forward to a future with what they use to control their iPhone, their iPad they have that kind of capability — meaning touch capability — in the crew station of the airplane,” added Feldmann.

“The next milestone for the 777-9 development program is a critical design review scheduled earlier next year,” reported Stephen Trimble from Flight Global. “Production of the first test aircraft is expected to begin next June, with first flight following in 2018.”

“All the configuring is done to a very detailed level. We know exactly what this airplane is and in fact we have very detailed discussions with our customers and with our suppliers,” Feldmann said.

News has it Bengaluru signs agreement with Airbus for over a thousands of titanium parts. Airbus releases over 10,000 parts to be used for Bengalurus A320 new engine program.

With the Indian and global manufactures being one Aequs prestigious   1st tier clients they have decided to go to them. Aequs is building a 250- acre economic zone in Belgavi only 500 km out from the global manufactures. This economic zone set up Is approximately a 100 million dollars machining facility. Aequs  3rd tier indian suppliers provide aero-structures, detail parts and systems, materials and cabins to Airbus for its A380, A350 and A320 family and A330 programmes also including the state-run HAL provide engineering and IT services,

Airbus vice president Oliver Cauquil, mentions that the Airbus aircraft parts will be shipped to their Toulouse facility in southern France. From there they will be assembled onto pylon structures to mount engines on aircraft wings. Aequs choose to stay relevant and active with this purchase.

"We employ latest technology with quality processes to meet high standards of Airbus to whom we supplied detail machined parts for its single aisle, long range aircraft since 2009, including wing parts for its A380 jumbo jet," said Aequs chief executive Aravind Melligeri.

This investment for Aequs turns to benefit them with suppliers needing them so abruptly. The French Civil and Defense air craft makers plan is to purchase parts that are approximately $500 million in the year 2015 and just around $2 billion in the year 2020.

Part of the reasoning for this large purchase was to generate more made in India pieces or aircrafts which brings more revenue to the Indian industry / government.

"The multi-year contract for one-lakh titanium components to Aequs reaffirms our commitment to the government's 'make in India' progamme and increase sourcing from 45 Indian suppliers, including 15 in tier-1 category," said Airbus India president S. Dwaraknath.

According to Dwaraknath procurement has increased by 16 fold sice they started sourcing over 10 years prior.

The increased sourcing of parts bumps up productivity creating or maintaining jobs in Aequs.

"We will ramp up our workforce to 5,000 engineers by 2020 from 1,500 in 2015-16 for executing the multi-year contracts to our global customers, including United Technologies Aircraft Systems (UTAS), Safran, Bosch, Eaton, Baker Hughes and Halliburton," Melligeri added.

This transaction is not the first sourcing of parts from Airbus to Aequs for titanium parts. Aequs was one of two firms to provide Aequs with titanium parts for their A320neo programme and other half sourced by a western firm.

"We employ latest technology with quality processes to meet high standards of Airbus to whom we supplied detail machined parts for its single aisle, long range aircraft since 2009, including wing parts for its A380 jumbo jet," said Aequs chief executive Aravind Melligeri.

As production expands between both parties Aequs plans to invest an additional 100 million throughout the next four years to reach production capacity. With the increasing of capacity, they hope to grow and achieve over $300 million from sales also including exports in the year 2020.

Not only Is Aeruq producing in India but also continues production in Europe and the US.  In Recent news Aerup has obtained from SiRA a French aerospace group an uncertain amount of precision machining, assembly, aero engine testing, landing gear, aircraft actuation components, welding and fabrication of aircraft assemblies to its European customers such as Dassault, Safran and UTAS.

For more information on sourced parts or whole selling on parts please give us a call at toll free +1-702-919-1616. Or email us at sales@asap-supplychain.com for instant RFQs. We hope to hear from you soon to be in the Air A S A P !

Wieland Electric, a firm known for its ground-breaking electrical connection technology released a connector with Type 4x/6p protection. This new RST Mini 5-pole circular power connector is as efficient as it gets. It not only simplifies connections, but it reduces the cost of wiring, building automation, and manufacturing features.

Innovative twistlock technology allows these RST MINI connectors to secure connection, cut assembly time, and reduce the chances of errors. It is designed to join two parts together with a push that secures the grip as a lock ring twists and safeguards the pieces in place. To make things even easier for users, the connectors come color-coded.

Martin Lalonde, the application engineer at Wieland Electric describes the series of connectors as unlike any others in the market. They are designed to endure the roughest of environments. They can also replace a typical panel cable gland without discrepancy.

The RST MINI series is designed to fit consumer needs with two versions- cable form, and the other mounted on a panel. The cable version can hold cables measuring 7.1mm to 13mm in diameter. The panel version has M20 threats that include a flat spot that permits easy fit and installation. The RST16i5 carries cUlus approvals of 600V, 16A, and 22-16AWG. It can also undergo cULus disconnect of up to 350V under load. And to top it off, its environmental ratings reach up to IP69k, Type 4x and Type 6P- which show a high degree of fortification against disturbance.

ASAP Supply Chain

Asap-supplychain.com has been developed by ASAP Semiconductor to focus on providing the best experience for buyers looking to access NSN parts, fasteners, and connectors in one place. This “A” rated supply-chain partner will ensure quality products are shipped according to ASAP Semiconductor procedure. This means surpassing satisfaction found in other firms in the industry. ASAP Supply Chain has knowledgeable representatives waiting to help. They can be reached at 1-702-919-1616 or sales@asap-supplychain.com

The Stealth Destroyer Zumwalt (DDG 1000) is now a military owned warship. Shipbuilding firm General Dynamics Bath Iron Works has just released it to the US Navy, marking an important accomplishment for the US Navy and the program’s shipbuilding team. The technology and design allow the ship to reach a new level of sophisticated abilities.

The concept of the ship originated in the 1990s as part of the Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers. This was then known as the Land Attack Destroyer variant of the Surface Combatant 21 (SC 21) program. It was referred to as the DD(x) program in 2002, and once again renamed in 2006 as the DDG 1000.

In early 2002, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon were the chief contractors taking part in the shipbuilding program. Then, when the Navy took over ownership, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works became responsible for supervising the hull, mechanical and engineering part of the agreement. Even so, Raytheon remains accountable for the entire battle system.

The destroyer was first launched in October of 2013, and went into its first Alpha trials at sea in December of 2015 that tested its hull, mechanical and engineering gears. Bravo trials were held in March of this year, and then passed the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey in April.

Since then, Navy crew has moved into the ship. It should begin its sail out at sea in the East Coast this upcoming fall- first to Norfolk, VA, then to Baltimore MD. It will then head west to San Diego.

Despite the progress that has been made on the ship, there are still more developments that need to be worked on to ensure the vessel’s battle systems work properly. This includes radars, sensors, and weapons that allow the ship to specialize in land attacks. All of this should be ready late next year, or the beginning of 2018, when the Zumwalt will be put through the Combat System Operational Test. Once sensors and weapons reach competencies, the ship will deploy and begin full usage. Originally, the Zumwalt consisted of 32 ships and has slowly decreased to 3, but the budget has increased to ensure the vessels are top of the line warships. The 2 other Zumwalt-class ships are still undergoing construction under General Dynamics Bath Iron Works as well.

ASAP Supply Chain

ASAP Supply Chain provides quality service from the initial request for a quotation until a part is delivered and customer satisfaction is surpassed. Developed under ASAP Semiconductor, ASAP Supply Chain is a one stop solution to engineering components at competitive prices. To reach a helpful representative, contact 1-714-705-4780 or sales@asap-supplychain.com

During a trip to the United States military base in Jacksonville the Defense Secretary of Britain, Michael Fallon, announced the United Kingdom’s plan to purchase of one of Boeing’s new P-8 Poseidon surveillance planes. This is the initial step in a purchasing deal for eight more of Boeing’s spy jets, which will commence this summer. The transaction is an attempt to keep Britain’s fleet of nuclear submarines safe against Russian Submarine menace, which is said to keep surveillance of UK’s Royal Navy submarine base in Faslane. This investment would also qualify Britain to meet the NATA 2pc commitment, as the UK will continue to increases defense expenditure each year of this decade.

Although Fallon only recently announced the plan, the decision to order the spy jets had already been revealed in November of last year as part of the United Kingdom’s National Security Strategy and Strategic Defense and Security Review. Early after this notice, Britain was criticized for the process taken in selecting the jet to purchase. The UK did not meet with other aerospace manufacturers, which limited the UK’s knowledge of what other products were offered that could have suited their strategy better. Even so, others praised the state for their commitment to UK’s protection. Boeing intends on outsourcing a small portion of the building process to companies in the UK. This ensures a small boost to the UK’s economy.

ASAP-supplychain.com is your one stop solution to access to over 32 million parts from thousands of top aviation manufacturers, including Boeing’s spy plane parts. Sales representatives will provide assistance throughout the entire purchasing cycle, from initial request for quoting of parts until the items have been shipped and met customer satisfaction. ASAP Supply Chain supplies only top quality parts which help uphold the highest standards set by the company, while also providing some of the most competitive prices in the market. These helpful representatives can be reached by phone at 1-702-919-1616 or email at sales@asap-supplychain.com.

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. has recently announced their plan to relocate numerous programs to Mirabel, Quebec.

These program relocations include the final assembly of the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X, and assembly of the firm’s new five-passenger commercial helicopter.

Initially, the company had planned on Lafayette, Louisiana being the site for building the new helicopter. Bell claims that despite the decision change, the firm has “received tremendous support from the state and local government” of Louisiana.

Bell’s Mirabel plant in Quebec has operated since 1983, and has been a crucial part of Bell’s longstanding development plan. Bell chooses to remain loyal to the workforce and infrastructure in Maribel, the location where Bell’s 505 Jet Ranger X flight-test vehicles were built. The move serves as beneficial to Bell as it will enable the firm to take advantage of the firm’s overall industrial footprint at each of their sites while also capitalizing on the fundamental capabilities that each facility has to offer. Quebec and Canada’s government are also working on amending their loan conditions to support the relocation that will provide 100 new jobs at the Maribel plant.  The new five-passenger commercial helicopter is pending certification from Transport Canada which should be issued later on this year. Meanwhile, 380 orders have already been placed for the new aircraft.

Asap-supplychain.com provides buyers, logisticians, engineers, site leaders, mechanics, and technicians with a comprehensive one click purchasing solution. ASAP Supply Chain gives access to over 32 million parts from 7300 manufactures, including Bell Helicopter parts. Knowledgeable representatives will provide assistance throughout the entire purchasing cycle, beginning with quotations for parts, purchase orders, shipping of the parts purchased, and ensuring that the parts delivered meet the standards guaranteed with every purchase. Representatives can be reached by phone: +1-702-919-1616 or email: sales@asap-supplychain.com.

Mechanical bearings help to reduce the friction between moving parts, proving to be a vital component in a wide variety of machines ranging from bicycles to airplanes. Bearings are a component that consists of five basic parts which include seals, balls, ball cages, races, as well as grease. Multiple balls are placed between races, which are concave surfaces. This allows the balls to rotate freely amongst one another with minimal friction (though one ball is typically fixed). The seals and ball cages help to hold everything in place, while also keeping out any dirt or debris. The grease helps to protect and lubricate the entire moving system. It is important to keep in mind though that not all bearings are created equally.

“The cheapest ball bearings may not even be perfectly round. Bearings are generally graded according to a scale of roundness, measured to millionths of an inch. A grade 200 steel ball means it is round to a tolerance of 200 millionths of an inch. Hence a lower number – grade 25 for example – is a much more precisely manufactured ball,”

“For the sizes used in bikes, grades vary from 2,000 to 3, with anything under 100 generally being considered a ‘precision ball’. This grading system is used for both steel and ceramic balls, as well as a further gradation for surface roughness, where ceramic usually achieves a much smoother outcome – just one of its inherent benefits.”

These minuscule differences in surface and roundness of a bearing truly do play a significant role in reducing friction.

“Ultimately, if the balls are poor quality and aren’t perfectly round or smooth, they will cause increased friction and premature wear and tear of all components of the bearing,”

said Alan Weather-ill from Hope Technology, a United Kingdom based component manufacturer.

“It will inevitably fail. The quality of the ball, regardless of the material, is the most important factor.”

Despite their deceivingly small size, bearings are far more important than their size might suggest. Many industries are interested in utilizing the most efficient bearing being offered on the market.

“Here’s the deal: ceramic balls are generally rounder, smoother, harder and lighter than steel balls, so should theoretically provide less friction and greater longevity,” Bowers added. “They are also significantly more expensive, so it’s worth taking a proper look at the potential benefits of ceramic balls before parting with your cash”

S&K Aerospace the Montana-based and tribally owned business has just announced that they’ve landed a $269 million dollars contract modification from the U.S. Air Force in support of the service branch’s Parts and Repair Ordering System IV. The contract is specifically designed to address the continuity of service requirements, at least for the time being until the Air Force decides and issues a follow-on source says a statement released by the Defense Department last Monday.

The contract was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and will cover the foreign military sales to over 107 countries worldwide and includes the services to be conducted in Georgia all the way through March 14, 2022. The Parts and Repair Ordering System IV team includes Parts & Repair Technical Services and General Dynamics who are partners that provide spares supplies, technical services, component maintenance, task order support and a myriad of other support services. S&K Aerospace is headquartered on the Flathead Reservation in Northwest Montana and is actually owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

They have been providing support to the federal government in regards to maintenance, repair, overhauling and engineering logistics. With a proprietary web-based management information system, S&K is able to inform their customers in real-time of exactly where their components are in the supply cycle. S&K Aerospace boasts a deep and broad range of expertise in the logistics analysis and life-cycle support planning as well as engineering and technical support. In combination with world-class training and reliability, S&K Aerospace has been the premier logistics and technical provider for all domestic and ally Air Force units.

The Parts and Repair Ordering System IV procurement system is managed by the Air Force Security Assistance Center in direct support of Foreign Military Sales and is currently in the 5^th generation of the program which has expanded into a tri-service effort in support of FMS customers through procurement and maintenance support. The Parts and Repair Ordering System IV is linked to buyers worldwide and networks of approved vendors. Effective of March 23, 2015 the Parts and Repair Ordering System IV primary warehouse has been relocated to Warner Robins in Georgia.