EN

Safran in the United States

Safran has operated in the United States for over 40 years, developing state-of-the-art technologies and equipment that boost national security and improve the performance of systems deployed by customers (federal, state and local authorities, armed forces, airlines). Building on strong links forged with its different partners, Safran has become a leading supplier in its core businesses of Aerospace and Defense. Safran now has nearly 5,000 employees in the United States, covering close to 40 locations in 17 states.

The American market generates
25%
of Safran's consolidated sales
5,000
employees
in the United States
Present in the U.S.
for over
40 years

 

Aerospace

 

Safran is a top-tier equipment supplier to the American aircraft industry. Our expertise spans a wide range of aircraft systems and equipment: engines, landing gear, wiring, flight controls, nacelles, thrust reversers, power transmissions, etc. Safran also offers custom-tailored, cost-effective and high-quality maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) solutions in a fast-changing, fiercely competitive market.

The LEAP® engine from CFM International (the 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE) was chosen by Boeing as the exclusive powerplant for the new Boeing 737 MAX. In early 2016, Safran and Boeing celebrated the first flight of this new family of single-aisle commercial airplanes, at Renton Field near Seattle.


The next-generation LEAP is designed to further improve energy efficiency and reduce noise and emissions, while maintaining the reliability and low operating cost of its illustrious predecessor, the CFM56®. The LEAP's higher performance is largely based on Safran's expertise in composite materials. Safran teamed up with Albany International, to develop 3D weaving techniques for carbon fibers used to make the LEAP's fan blades and cases. Back in March 2014 the two partners inaugurated a new plant in Rochester New Hampshire, which makes these 3D woven composite parts using the RTM (resin transfer molding) process.

 

Defense
 

Safran offers a wide range of high-tech defense products to its American customers, including the JIM LR (Long Range) multifunction infrared binoculars, deployed by the U.S. armed forces. For U.S. military airplanes and helicopters, Safran provides turboshaft engines, landing gear, wheels and carbon brakes, electrical interconnect systems and avionics, including autopilots, flight controls and inertial navigation systems. Safran also supplies observation, detection and positioning solutions, such as the BlueNaute® inertial navigation system deployed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

« »
  • Step of wheels assembly Step of wheels assembly © Peter Taylor / CAPA Pictures / Safran
  • Steve, Quality Inspector Steve, Quality Inspector © Peter Taylor / CAPA Pictures / Safran
  • Demoulding of the blade composite after resin injection Demoulding of the blade composite after resin injection © Scott Gable / CAPA Pictures / Safran
  • Rochester : Exterior of building Rochester : Exterior of building © Scott Gable / CAPA Pictures / Safran
  • Engineers - Process, Product and Quality Engineers - Process, Product and Quality © Stewart Cohen / CAPA Pictures / Safran

 

Solid local partnerships
 

More than 40 years ago, Safran and GE created CFM International, a 50/50 joint company dedicated to the development and sale of engines for single-aisle commercial jets. This partnership gave birth to the greatest commercial success in the history of aviation, the CFM56 turbofan engine. A CFM56-powered plane takes off somewhere in the world every 2 seconds, and these engines power single-aisle jets for more than 550 airlines. Today, the two partners are opening a new chapter in their long history with the introduction of the new-generation LEAP engine, which started revenue service in 2016.

Safran and GE are also equal partners in the CFAN, Nexcelle and PTI joint ventures.

Furthermore, Safran has established key partnerships with researchers at American universities. In particular, the Energy & Propulsion section at SafranTech, the Group's Research & Technology center, has been working with Georgia Tech since 2013 on energy and performance design studies for next-generation aircraft. Likewise, since 2006 SafranTech's Electrical and Electronic Systems section has teamed up with Virginia Tech on a variety of power electronics subjects.