Flying for success Jihlavan

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.

Founded 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

the Airbus supply chain, such as the hydraulic fuses for the complete Airbus fleet, LockStayActuator for the Airbus A350, MLG (Main Landing Gear) Door Actuator + NLG (Nose LG) Door Actuator for Airbus A350, and 3 Ramp Actuators + Swivel Valve for the Airbus A400 M, to name just a few.”

An important part of the portfolio is also the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business. The company’s main competence in this area is the instrumentation refurbishment for the L39 and L410 programmes; repair and testing of hydraulic components for the B737 Classic and, more recently, for the B737 NG.

major development projects

However, Mr Lízal explains that keeping a strong footing in the Czech market is just as important. Here the company is a major supplier of its second line of business, the BTS (built-to-specification) aerospace hydraulic components, and has become a partner for the product development and delivery within the L410 NG project, in which a number of Czech aerospace companies participate. “The project covers a major upgrade of a popular and successful Czech commuter aircraft with passenger capacity of 19 plus two pilots. The aircraft is made by Aircraft Industries (formerly LET) that obtained the EASA certificate in late 2017. Jihlavan developed, delivered and supported the certification of 28 hydraulic components for this aircraft.”

Another project for which Jihlavan delivers BTS hydraulic components is the L39NG project for Aero Vodochody. The Aero L-39NG (Next Generation) is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft, a successor of the Cold War era Aero L-39 Albatros, around 600 of which are used by the armed forces of dozens of countries today. The aircraft is being developed in two versions (stages). While the L-39NG Stage 1 is an upgrade of the original L-39 airframe with a new engine and avionics, the Stage 2 is a newly-built aircraft with several design improvements such as the wet wing without the type’s distinctive wingtip fuel tanks.

“Jihlavan is one of the partners in the development and series supply of 36 hydraulic devices as well as wheels and brakes. The first take-off is planned in 2019, and the certification should be com-

pleted in 2019,” says Mr Lízal, confirming that series production of the devices within these major projects would mean a year-on-year increase in turnover (CZK 225 million in 2017) by about 20 per cent.

Indispensable player

In support of its current projects, Jihlavan has invested significantly in both technology and infrastructure. Last year the company purchased a five-axis multifunctional machining centre for the WFL Millturn M30a body and piston hydraulic actuator production as well as a set of environmentally friendly component washers. “For 2018 we are planning a major upgrade of the existing information system so that it meets the sophisticated requirements of the aerospace industry,” says Mr Lízal.

He confirms that the company will strive to keep pace with market development, sustain and increasing its business in both the export and domestic markets, further cementing its position as an indispensable player in the European aerospace sector. n