TRW Highlights Systems Expertise and Technologies for Business Aviation
6 October 1999
TRW Highlights Systems Expertise and New Technologies for Business Aviation At 1999 NBAA Show
SOLIHULL, England--Oct. 5, 1999--TRW Inc. will showcase its systems expertise, customer support capability and new technologies for business and commercial aviation at the upcoming National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 52nd Annual Meeting & Convention, Oct. 12-14, 1999, in Atlanta, Ga.TRW Aeronautical Systems (Lucas Aerospace) will be located at Booth #6863 in Hall G and will display products from its core capabilities in flight controls, engine controls, electric power generation and management, and customer support for many of today's business aircraft.
As a major supplier of power generation and management to the business, commuter and regional jet market, TRW Aeronautical Systems will display a full range of generators and control units. Special emphasis will be placed on the company's new Solid State Power Controller (SSPC) development demonstrator.
The SSPC, which provides power distribution within an electrical system, offers several benefits over conventional power distribution such as remote trip/reset functions, programmable logic, reduced weight, health monitoring, and minimized aircraft wiring.
TRW Aeronautical Systems has successfully tested a complete unit incorporating 80 SSPC modules together with a micro-processor architecture to create a flexible, reliable and fault tolerant power distribution system. The test proved satisfactory thermal performance and the micro-processor control of multiple SSPCs.
Also on display will be the variable frequency main generator and control unit supplied to Bombardier's Global Express ultra long-range business jet. The variable frequency electric power generation system was the world's first to be certified on a turbofan aircraft, and is now certified by Transport Canada, the FAA, and JAA.
The company will also be displaying a 300 amp starter generator, 400 mp DC brushless generator and two DC generator control units used on a broad range of business and regional aircraft including the Cessna Citation series, Embraer 145, Beech 1900, and a number of King Air aircraft, among many others.
Another area of focus will be the company's engine controls, which is supplied to a broad range of business, commuter and regional aircraft including the Citation X and Embraer's ERJ135 and ERJ145 regional jets.
Particular emphasis will be placed on TRW Aeronautical Systems' new FADEC 2001 (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), which is designed to meet the cost targets and timescales of the business and regional jet markets and is expected to enter service in 2001.
Rugged and reliable, the FADEC 2001 controls engine fuel flow by interfacing with the fuel metering unit and controls engine variable geometry via actuators. This innovative system is also capable of controlling other standard engine functions.
The FADEC 2001 has full built-in test and maintenance software, and utilizes both low-cost hardware and software making it a viable option for business aircraft operators.
The company will also feature its Customer Support capabilities, highlighting its asset management services to airlines whereby the airlines buy access to spare line replacement units from TRW Aeronautical Systems and pay for anticipated repair and overhaul on a cost per flight hour basis.
This new type of arrangement improves support flexibility while minimizing investment in the logistics chain, significantly reducing the initial cost for the airline. TRW Aeronautical Systems is already providing this new type of support service having secured contracts with Trans States Airlines and Mesaba Airlines, operating as Northwest Airlink.
TRW Aeronautical Systems (Lucas Aerospace) provides the global aerospace industry with high integrity systems and equipment in engine controls, flight controls, missile systems, power generation and management, cargo handling, and hoists and winches, all backed by a worldwide customer support organization. For company news and information, visit the company's Web site at www.lucas-aerospace.com.
TRW Inc. provides high-technology products and services to the automotive, aerospace and information technology markets worldwide. The company's news releases are available through TRW's corporate Web site at www.trw.com.