About Shimadzu

Shimadzu Corporation successfully received the order for Trailing Edge Flap Drive System Major Control Components for the next Boeing developed large aircraft 747-8. Shimadzu will design and manufacture major control components for Trailing Edge Flap Drive System. Through the development experience gained from this program, Shimadzu hopes that it will lead them to take a big step forward in this field.

Boeing is developing the new 747-8 Intercontinental (Commercial Airliner) and 747-8 Freighter. The 747-8 Freighter is targeted to enter service in late 2009.

The Boeing 747-8 will incorporate various new technologies being developed for 787 Dreamliner. The engine will be quieter and have lower emissions. Its improved fuel efficiency will have positive effect on the operation cost. Passenger/Cargo capacity will be improved. Newly designed wing and flight deck will also bring better performance for the new aircraft.
Boeing launched 747-8 development program in November of 2005, and was seeking suppliers for this program. As one of the suppliers for this outstanding aircraft, Shimadzu Corporation was selected to support Trailing Edge Flap Drive System.

Shimadzu resumed its aircraft equipment business in 1955, and having Technical License with U.S. aerospace companies, has been developing and manufacturing numerous aircraft components for over half a century.
In the field of Commercial Aircraft, Shimadzu began approaching for business opportunities with Boeing, the world’s biggest aircraft company, in 1974. Starting in 1976, Shimadzu started manufacturing components for the 737s. Thereafter, the business expanded to include Gearboxes, Pneumatic System Regulators, and Electro-Mechanical Actuators for doors, wings, etc. on Boeing 747, 757, 767, and 777.
Past experiences with Boeing, combined with other experiences from Inboard Flap Drive System for the US-1A Kai and Flap Drive System for P-X/C-X programs, lead Shimadzu to succeed in earning the contract for the aforementioned major components with Boeing.

This accomplishment is an indication of Shimadzu attaining recognition from Boeing for the capability to respond to demands of developing the entire Flap System.
Following the development of Flap System for P-X/C-X, having the chance and be involved to work on the Flap System for Boeing’s next large aircraft is a great opportunity to take another step forward to further expand the business for Shimadzu as a System Supplier.

Shimadzu has started on-site development support at Boeing for the 747-8 Program from the end of October 2006. Designing task will be completed during the first half of 2007, and the first production unit will be delivered during the second quarter of 2008.