Air Industries Group has announced a significant development in collaboration with a major OEM customer. They have successfully acquired the specialized welding equipment, along with the associated tooling and peripheral machinery, utilized in welding the arresting gear responsible for securing the E-2D aircraft's tail hook—an essential component for safe landings on aircraft carriers. It's important to highlight that this welding equipment currently holds the sole certification for welding the arresting gear.

The installation of this critical equipment is underway at Air Industries' Sterling Engineering facility located in Connecticut.

Mr. Lou Melluzzo, CEO of Air Industries, expressed his thoughts, stating, "By acquiring the arresting gear welding equipment, Air Industries is poised to become the exclusive provider within our industry for this mission-critical welding process crucial to the E-2D platform. This strategic move not only solidifies our position as a vital supplier to a major aircraft program but also lays the foundation for an expanding portfolio of specialized processes, including welding capabilities."

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft plays a pivotal role as a carrier-based, battle-management aircraft often referred to as the "digital quarterback." It assumes the critical responsibility of managing airspace, ensuring the safety of carrier battle groups during various operational scenarios, including littoral, overland, and open sea missions. Notably, production of the E-2D aircraft is ongoing, and the fleet currently comprises approximately 65 active E-2Ds. Forecasts anticipate an expansion of the fleet by over 40%, reaching a total of 93 aircraft by 2027.

Mr. Melluzzo emphasized the significance of the E-2D to national defense and the growth prospects for Air Industries, stating, "The importance of the E-2D to our nation's defense posture—and to Air Industries' growth—cannot be overstated. For many years, our Company has supplied landing gear, arresting gear, hooks, and other products for this platform. Our E-2D product backlog is close to $20 million, accounting for 29% of our total backlog. Additionally, many of the products we manufacture for this aircraft, apart from the complete landing gear, are 'consumables' that must be periodically replaced based on usage. The acquisition of this welding equipment strengthens our partnership with the manufacturer and aftermarket suppliers supporting the E-2D program."

Mr. Melluzzo also highlighted the synergy of this welding capability with Air Industries' broader strategy of vertical integration, exemplified by the recent in-house addition of painting processes. This strategic approach is designed to streamline production timelines and reduce costs, enhancing Air Industries' overall competitiveness.

Source:businesswire.com