In December 1997, BFGoodrich merged with Rohr, Inc., which will be operated as the Aerostructures Group, one of BFGoodrich Aerospace's four business groups. BFGoodrich has also agreed, subject to regulatory approval, to acquire Freedom Chemical Company, manufacturers of specialty and fine chemicals. Their composites research involves high-temperature refractory composites, detailed structural analysis, mechanical testing and failure analysis, materials and process research, characterization of thermal and physical properties, and materials applications research. Final assembly is done in plants in Foley, Alabama, and in Sheridan and Heber Springs, Arkansas. The Aerostructures Group's Hagerstown, Maryland facility manufactures composite aircraft parts and bonded assemblies, primarily engine casings, fan cowls, and thrust reversers.
Composites manufacturing is done by hand lay-up, followed by press and autoclave bonding.
The Aerostructures Group's facility in Riverside, California, manufactures composite material and adhesive bonded nacelle components including inlets, fan cowl doors, thrust reversers, and noise suppression structures. The composite components are manufactured primarily using carbon fiber reinforced thermoset prepreg systems, with limited use of thermoplastic matrix systems. In addition to brake system manufacturing, other primary efforts include the evaluation of disk barrier materials and improved designs to facilitate better brake cooling and longer life between overhauls. Their products include acoustic domes and windows for anti-submarine warfare systems, drive shafts, fairings, control surfaces, some very large marine structures, and vehicle springs and suspension systems. A specialty is the use of elastomeric materials with composite systems for enhanced dynamic performance and better damage tolerance.