Inside Look: C-17 Wingtip Lens Cover Manufacturing
The C-17 GlobeMaster
A behind-the-scenes look at C-17 parts manufacturing at Son-Aero.
The United States Air Force has deployed the C-17 across the globe as a reliable cargo heavy-lift transport since its introduction in 1993. Currently, the US Air Force operates a fleet of 275 aircraft. The C-17 is a rapid deployment aircraft that has the capability of taking off from a short 7,000-foot airfield with a payload of up to 164,000 lbs and a range of 2,400 miles. The fuselage of the C-17 is capable of transporting the Army’s M1 Abraham tanks side by side anywhere across the globe.
Expert C-17 Parts Manufacturing for Crucial Military Use
The C-17 is critical aircraft to the United States military and warfighter. We at Son-Aero are a key supplier who supports the MRO efforts on the C-17 platform. One of the essential parts we manufacture for the C-17 is the wingtip lens cover, which is located on the outermost winglet area of the aircraft. These lenses require replacement once optical visibility is deteriorated, which varies depending on environmental conditions and flight hours.
Injection Molding Process and Quality Control
The transparency of the lens is injection-molded in our high tolerance Arburg machine and rigorously inspected for optical and dimensional defects by our Quality team. Then an abrasion-resistant coating is applied to protect the lens from physical damage and UV damage. After final inspection, the parts are marked, packaged, and shipped to the Defense Logistics Agency.
Son-Aero is proud to be a key supplier in supporting the C-17 platform and ultimately the U.S. warfighter.
Dean Revilla
Director of New Business Development
For more information on our aerospace manufacturing services, contact us today, or use our online RFQ form for rapid-response from our team.
