A Buyer’s Guide to Leading NSN Part Manufacturers

While a number of part numbers from different manufacturers that meet similar specifications for design and production may be organized under one National Stock Number (NSN), it does not necessarily mean that each option will be exactly the same. This means there is still a significant importance in considering what manufacturer a particular item traces back to, as it may affect build quality, performance characteristics, and compatibility with certain systems.

In aerospace and aviation settings, one may also be beholden to certain requirements that dictate parts from a certain source, furthering the importance of the manufacturer of an NSN part. While there has been a steady rise of producers across the industry, a select few have established dominance as a result of their extensive product offerings, history of trust, and ability to meet rigorous standards that are common in aerospace and aviation operations. In this blog, we will cover a few notable NSN parts manufacturers that are known across the market, so read on to learn more.

Boeing: An Aviation and Aerospace Giant

As one of the most recognized names in aviation and defdense, Boeing is a multinational company that designs and manufactures a range of aircraft, rockets, satellites, missiles, and more. As a leading, NSN Parts manufacturer Boeing offerings are known for their high level of quality, traceability, and compliance with strict industry standards.

Notable Boeing Aircraft

Commercial Aircraft: Boeing is well regarded for its commercial aircraft, which include notable models like the 737, 747, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.

Military and Defense Aircraft: Boeing’s defense aircraft include those like the F-15 Eagle, CH-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache, and others.

Spacecraft and Space Launch Systems: For space endeavors, Boeing has manufactured the X-37, CST-100 Starliner, and various satellites.

Airbus: A World Leader of Aircraft

Airbus is another powerhouse in the aviation and defense market, with a range of NSN parts being a part of its portfolio. Over the past decade, Airbus has emerged as one of the world’s leading producers of helicopters and airliners, offering a range of options that support commercial transportation, defense operations, and more. To support these various platforms, Airbus designs and produces a range of compatible NSN parts.

Notable Airbus Aircraft

Commercial Aircraft: Notable commercial aircraft from Airbus include the A220, A320, A330, A340, and A350 families.

Helicopters: Airbus’ helicopters include models like the H125, H130, H135, H145, H225, and Tiger.

Lockheed Martin: Reliable Defense-Centric NSN Parts

Lockheed Martin is synonymous with reliable, defense-grade equipment, the company serving as a top-tier NSN parts manufacturer for military aircraft, ground systems, and space assets. Their reputation for quality and program sustainability makes them a staple on any aircraft NSN manufacturers list, especially for militaries and contractors requiring long-term part availability and proven durability.

Notable Lockheed Martin Offerings

Military Aircraft: For defense needs, Lockheed Martin offers aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules, S-3 Viking, and more.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV): With a focus on UAV manufacturing, Lockheed Martin offers options like RQ-170 Sentinel, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and various smaller tactical UAVs.

Spacecraft and Satellites: Lockheed Martin designs, manufactures, and supports a range of military and commercial communication satellites, weather satellites, and scientific research spacecraft.

Raytheon Technologies: Avionics and Mission Systems

Raytheon Technologies, through subsidiaries like Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, is a major contributor to the NSN parts ecosystem. Examples of NSN product offerings include avionics systems, electrical harnesses, environmental control systems, jet engine parts, and other various items that are used on both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

Notable Raytheon Technology Offerings

Defense and Missile Systems: Raytheon offers options like the AIM-9X Sidewinder, AMRAAM, paveway bombs, Patriot missiles, THAAD missiles, and Tomahawk missiles.

Intelligence and Space Systems: Raytheon offers options like surveillance and reconnaissance systems (sensors & radar), electronic warfare systems, and space-based sensors and communication systems.

General Electric: Powering Flight with Powerplants

GE Aerospace has made significant strides as an NSN parts manufacturer, focusing on high-performance engines and power systems. Their engines power military aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and commercial airliners across global fleets. GE also supplies auxiliary power units (APUs), sensors, control units, and fuel system components.

Notable General Electric Offerings

Commercial Aircraft Engines: For commercial aircraft, GE offers models like the GE9X, GEnx, CFM56, and GE Passport.

Military Aircraft Engines: For military applications, GE manufactures engines like the F414, F110, T700, and F136.

Where You Can Procure Trusted NSN Parts

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