L3Harris Technologies has delivered its third custom wide-body paint completion in 2019 at its recently enhanced, world-class facility. “L3Harris is uniquely positioned to offer world-class aircraft paint services as part of our maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions,” said Jon Piatt, Vice President and General Manager, L3Harris. “This recent delivery is just one example of how our team can seamlessly transition from austere military paint specifications to exquisite custom paint finishes to meet a wide variety of mission needs.” L3Harris’ aircraft paint completions occur in a 73,000 square-foot climate-controlled hangar capable of accommodating some of the largest military and civilian aircraft, including the Boeing 747-8 and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. The paint facility recently received a multi-million dollar upgrade to replace its analog HVAC system with the latest digital technology for temperature and humidity control, allowing the company to produce custom paint jobs on a variety of aircraft. The work is supplemented by multiple onsite component paint booths. L3Harris’ facility offers paint services as part of a broader suite of M3 solutions – Missionization, Modernization, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for military, government and commercial customers. The facility specializes in complex wide-body aircraft modifications. Previous M3 projects include:
– More than 50 VVIP and head-of-state aircraft completions;
– A modified 747-400 aircraft to Virgin Orbit for use as an airborne satellite launch service;
– Modified 747 aircraft for use as flying test beds for engine manufacturers; and
-A modified 747SP for the NASA SOFIA program, the largest airborne observatory in the world.
The facility includes in-depth hangar, dock and line operations, and has skilled engineering and flight science expertise with work completed on more than 95 platform types and more than 55 supplemental-type certificates achieved. The division is also an FAA/EASA approved repair station and has FAA Organization Designation Authorization. “We have completed three highly-complex wide-body aircraft paint schemes at the Waco facility,” said José Luiz Monteiro of Studio E/Motions, program partner for one of the recent 787-8 paint completions. “With the Boeing 787-8 and its composite fuselage, the gloss on the paint resembled more the finish of smaller corporate jets, unseen in the wide-body industry.”
“The hangar is large and has the latest ventilation technology,” Montiero said. “The L3Harris paint capability is a hidden jewel, and we are extremely happy with the outstanding work delivered.”
