Question-and-Answer Session
Operator
Thank you. (Operator Instructions) Your first question comes from Robert Spingam - Credit Suisse.
Robert Spingam - Credit Suisse
Brad, you just went through a whole bunch of programs. I think I'm going to start there. Two questions in this area: First, anything that the U.S. Air Force is talking about cutting? You know, there's been a lot of news over the past few days C-130 AMP, some other stuff. Is there anything here that would impact Esterline?
Richard Bradley Lawrence
From the announcements that we've seen so far we haven't seen a material change in any of the major programs that we're currently working on.
Robert Spingam - Credit Suisse
Okay. Anything at all that touches you?
Richard Bradley Lawrence
Nothing that comes to mind.
Robert Spingam - Credit Suisse
And then you mentioned thermal insulation. And with the greater usage or rising usage of carbon fiber in the aerospace industry, can you talk a little bit about the tail or the pipeline for that business? How big is that Darchem business now and what would it look like five years from now, six years from now or so when we have 787 at mature production levels, one would hope, and A350 ramping up to that?
Robert Cremin
Well, as you know, we only report our financial results by segment, but I will say that Darchem has been a strong growth company for Esterline and we see continued opportunity, particularly with the Airbus account, on increased use of our insulation materials.
Interestingly, though, Darchem's strongest growth at the moment is really not coming from the aerospace sector but it's coming from our activities in the nuclear and oil and gas segment. Darchem is providing and has been a long-time supplier of insulating components for nuclear reactors as well as fire protection on petroleum sites that are located offshore.
Robert Spingam - Credit Suisse
So it's going to be a multiple, though, of what it is today?
Robert Cremin
It's growing at a double-digit compound annual growth rate.
Robert Spingam - Credit Suisse
And then just going over to Bob George for a moment, Bob, could you go back to cash flow again? I just want to review what you said. You were talking about your operating cash flow, I believe, and what your expectations are for the year.
Robert George
Well, Rob, right now the company continues to generate cash at a nice rate. As I mentioned, cash flow from operations was $115 million through the nine months; that compares to the $93 - $94 million we generated last year. We see that trend continuing through the fourth quarter and our EBITDA is similarly moving in the same direction.
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