DUBAI, United Arab Emirates,
Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Honeywell (NYSE: HON) and Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF) have
commenced the first rolling tests for their electric green taxiing
system.
(Logo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080425/LAF040LOGO)
The electric green taxiing system is designed to significantly
improve airline operational efficiency and provide environmental
benefits by slashing the carbon and other emissions created during
runway taxi operations.
Using the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generator to power motors
in the main wheels, the system allows aircraft to taxi without
requiring the use of aircraft engines. Each of the aircraft's
powered wheels is equipped with an electromechanical actuator,
while unique power electronics and system controllers give pilots
total control of the aircraft's speed, direction and braking during
taxi operations.
The expected benefits of this system include:
- Lower Fuel Burn – As taxi operations burn a significant
amount of fuel—as much as five million tons of fuel per year for
short-haul aircraft—the electric green taxiing system can result in
savings of up to 4% of total block fuel consumption.
- Improved On Time Performance – Aircraft equipped with the
system will be able to "pushback and go" more quickly, thus
reducing both gate and tarmac congestion, improving on-time
departure performance and saving valuable time on the
ground.
- Greener Operation – The electric green taxiing system
greatly reduces engine emissions, resulting in lower carbon
taxes.
- Added Value – System operation eliminates the need for
aircraft pushback and aircraft repositioning via tug tractor while
also reducing brake wear, extending main engine life, enhancing
ground crew safety, and reducing noise in the airport
environment.
The initiative was first announced at the Paris Airshow in
June 2011, where Honeywell and Safran
signed a memorandum of understanding to create a joint venture
company to deliver innovative new electric green taxiing system
solutions for new and existing aircraft.
Yves Leclere, Safran Executive
Vice President, Transformation said, "Safran's extensive experience
in integrated landing gear systems combined with Honeywell's
avionics and APU breadth is an ideal match for rapidly bringing to
market an innovative solution which makes business and
environmental sense for both airlines and airports."
This initial series of tests, to be undertaken in Montpellier,
France, on a recently acquired
A320, will serve to evaluate runway conditions and calculate the
necessary loads needed for moving the aircraft on ground. The team
is currently focused on prototyping and component level testing,
prior to targeted system installation and ground testing in
2013.
"Reducing fuel costs and maximizing operational efficiency are
top priorities for our customers", said John Bolton, President, Honeywell's Air
Transport and Regional business. "The start of the electric green
taxi testing takes us one step closer to bringing this technology
to market, and ultimately to helping to save our customers several
hundred thousand dollars per aircraft per year."
The system is particularly attractive for airlines that operate
high cycle single aisle aircraft. Honeywell and Safran are
targeting to offer the electric green taxiing system either on new
aircraft or as a retrofit solution to in-service aircraft as early
as 2016.
About Safran
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with
three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment),
Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Safran group has
more than 54,000 employees and generated sales of 10.8 billion euros in 2010. Working alone or in
partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in
its core markets. The Group invests heavily in Research &
Development to meet the requirements of changing markets, including
expenditures of 1.2 billion euros in
2010. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and is part of the
CAC Large 60 index.
For more information: www.safran-group.com
About Honeywell
Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global
provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service
solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and
general aviation, military, space and airport operations.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune
100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving
customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control
technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive
products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in
Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's
shares are traded on the New
York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news
and information on Honeywell, please visit
www.honeywellnow.com.
SOURCE Honeywell