Aerospace & Defence
Flying for success Czech Jihlavan is a traditional partner for R&D, production and service of hydraulic end elctromechanical components, wheels and brakes for the aerospace industry and medical applications. In the last few years the company has significantly increased its focus on the aerospace sector. Romana Moares spoke to the company’s Sales Director, Mr Petr Lízal, about Jihlavan’s recent projects and plans for the future.
F
ounded in 1952, Jihlavan has developed into one of the major players in the Czech aerospace industry with an increasing presence in export markets. More than 10,000 aircraft have been equipped with Jihlavan’s hydraulics so far. Over the years, the company has built a reputation as a stable partner for the development, production, and servicing of hydraulic power systems in aerospace and ground hydraulic applications. The company’s ownership structure was revised in 2015, the consequence of which has been an even stronger emphasis on the aerospace business. An extensive facility modernisation has also been completed to accommodate demanding aerospace contracts from around the world. The product portfolio has also changed – the volume of aerospace production today accounting for the greater part of production output. Jihlavan owns extensive R&D facilities that allow it to pursue the development of new individual products as well as entire systems.
Its development engineers have taken part in several major projects, such as the development of complete hydraulic system for the EV-55, major hydraulic components for the new generation of personal commuter L410NG and recently 36 hydraulic components, wheels and brakes for the next generation military trainer L39NG.
Growing international presence Jihlavan is a traditional supplier of hydraulic components for flight controls, hydraulic power and landing gear systems for Czech aircraft, such as Turbolet L 410, for which it is the leading supplier of over 20 components. Jihlavan is an important exporter with customers all over the world. In recent years, major contracts were signed in France and Spain. “We have significantly increased our international presence in the last few year,” confirms Petr Lízal. “Recent successes include long-term contracts for BTP (built-to-print) hydraulic components for Industry Europe 71