SKF enters the North American market for helicopter main rotor pitch link bearings

SKF's British subsidiary Ampep plc has received a significant order for Ampep XL pitch link spherical bearings from an American customer. Ampep has been working for many years to improve the life of helicopter main rotor pitch link spherical bearings. Through design and specially developed coatings Ampep has been able to offer bearings that have a considerably longer life than other bearings in the market. Ampep has become the leading supplier of these type of bearings to the European helicopter manufacturers. Discussions have taken place with the major US helicopter manufacturers to introduce the Ampep technology also to North America. After extensive field evaluations the order has now been taken. - We have been able to prove that our knowledge and technology in this area gives the customers a clear competitive advantage, says Eric Brubaker, Helicopter Segment Director within SKF Aerospace.