In today’s society, mechanical components are ubiquitous; in the aerospace sector, for instance, springs are frequently employed. Moreover, aerospace springs are subject to extremely stringent requirements regarding materials, dimensional tolerances, and other specifications. So, where exactly are springs used in the aviation industry? Let’s take a closer look.

　　1. Trent 900 and GP7000 engines

　　FAG is a supplier of springs for all jet aircraft engines and of numerous components for the new Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine, which powers the Airbus A380—the world’s largest passenger aircraft. In the future, FAG will also supply the second-generation engine for the Airbus A380, the GP7000, jointly developed with Pratt & Whitney and General Electric.

　　2. Trent 500 engine

　　FAG’s Aerospace Springs Division collaborated closely with Rolls-Royce to develop, in a remarkably short timeframe, a new main‑shaft spring—highly integrated and made from advanced materials—for the Trent 500 engine, which powers the Airbus A340‑500 and A340‑600.

　　Factors behind FAG’s success: ① FAG’s aerospace springs division is a key driver in the development of engine springs, including main‑shaft and gearbox springs. ② The Trent 500 engine delivers exceptionally high power density. ③ FAG’s comprehensive test‑bench procedures have validated the reliability of its high‑strength main‑shaft springs.

　　3. PW4000 engine

　　More than half of commercial airliners are powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. Over 70 airlines place their trust in the reliability of the PW4000 engine. With thrust ranging from 22 to 45 tonnes, nearly all large aircraft are manufactured by Airbus and Boeing.

　　Airbus: A300; A310; A330; Boeing: B747; B767; B777; MD-11

　　Factors behind FAG’s success: ① The FAG Aerospace Springs division is the supplier of all main‑shaft springs for these engines. ② Furthermore, it is an approved supplier of all gearbox springs. ③ Likewise, these springs must meet stringent quality and reliability standards.

　　4. BR700 Engine

　　Integrated main‑shaft spring configuration for the BR700 engine: FAG’s Aerospace Springs division has developed a main‑shaft spring configuration specifically for the BR700 engine. These engines, developed by Rolls-Royce in Germany, are used in regional and business jets manufactured by Boeing, Bombardier, and Gulfstream.

　　Factors behind FAG’s success: ① “Synchronous Engineering Technology”—collaborating closely with customers throughout the product development process; ② System integration that reduces product weight and component count, thereby lowering costs; ③ Electron-beam welding used for springs and integrated spindle components.

　　5. Joint-Attack-Fighter Aircraft

　　FAG’s aerospace spring division serves as an innovative partner on new projects. For example, it has been involved in the development of nozzle springs for the VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) Joint Strike Fighter (Lockheed Martin system).

　　Success factors of the FAG: ① VTOL system: Rolls-Royce; ② Propulsion system: Pratt & Whitney F135 / General Electric F136; 3. Nozzle spring: diameter 1,200 mm, high-temperature spring collar, corrosion-resistant steel, ceramic balls.

　　6. Sikorsky Helibus S92

　　Sikorsky helicopters utilize FAG coil springs: FAG has developed and manufactured a wide range of springs for the Sikorsky Helibus S-92 helicopter, including automatic swashplate springs used in the rotor system.

　　Factors behind FAG’s success: ① A more efficient and reliable design of the automatic swashplate spring; ② Double-row thin‑section leaf springs (diameter: 750 mm), manufactured from high‑corrosion‑resistant, fatigue‑resistant steel; ③ Production of cylindrical roller‑type springs for helicopter transmissions.

　　7. Space Propulsion System

　　Turbopump Springs: FAG’s Aerospace Springs division, in collaboration with NASA and Pratt & Whitney, has developed springs for the Space Shuttle’s main engines—specifically, the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen turbopumps. The newly engineered FAG springs eliminate the need for replacement after each launch and are designed for multiple launches.

　　Factors behind FAG’s success: ① Many years of experience in the aerospace spring industry; ② Special materials that extend spring life by several times; ③ Ceramic balls and rollers; ④ Nitrogen‑alloyed, stainless‑steel spring coils; ⑤ Self‑lubricating cages.

　　8. Eurocopter

　　FAG’s roller springs are used in helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter: many Eurocopter‑built helicopters are equipped with various FAG springs.

　　Factors contributing to FAG’s success: ① Integrated design enables a significant reduction in weight. ② Optimized internal structure enhances reliability. ③ Coatings protect the product from fretting corrosion. ④ The use of wear‑resistant, high‑alloy materials extends the service life of the springs.