PARIS, June 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE:
HON) and Safran (NYSE Euronext Paris: SAF) have
completed the first major phase of testing of their electric green
taxiing system (EGTS), and will make the first public demonstration
of the technology, installed on an Airbus A320 aircraft, during the
50th International Paris Air Show held at Le Bourget Airport from
June 17-23, 2013.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080425/LAF040LOGO
)
Developed by EGTS International, a joint venture between
Honeywell and Safran launched in 2011, the EGTS technology enables
aircraft to avoid using their main engines during taxiing and
instead taxi autonomously under their own electrical power. Similar
to a hybrid car using electrical power at slow speeds, EGTS will
improve airline operating efficiency during taxi operations and cut
fuel consumption by up to four percent per flight cycle.
EGTS will also provide environmental benefits by reducing noise
and carbon and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions during taxi
operations, and will reduce gate and tarmac congestion, improve
on-time departure, and allow passengers to deplane faster as a
result of smoother ground handling operations. EGTS continues to
gain strong interest from airports and airlines ahead of its
expected introduction to the market in 2016.
Because an aircraft's main engines are optimized for flying
rather than taxiing, they burn a disproportionate amount of fuel
during ground operations. With a short- or medium-range aircraft
spending up to 2.5 hours of its time on taxiways every day, EGTS
could save approximately 600 kilograms of fuel used during taxiing
from being consumed daily, according to Honeywell and Safran
estimates.
EGTS allows aircraft to push back autonomously and then taxi
between gate and runway without engaging the main engines by using
the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generator to power electric motors
in the main landing gear. Each of an EGTS-equipped aircraft's
powered wheels is fitted with a control system, giving pilots total
control of the aircraft's speed and direction during taxi
operations. In addition to reduced fuel burn, the system will also
generate further savings by reducing engine and brake wear and
minimizing the risk of damage to engine turbines from foreign
objects on the tarmac.
The initial development of EGTS to date has mobilized more than
200 engineers working in 13 Safran and Honeywell facilities around
the world. The component system and aircraft testing program has
accumulated more than 3,000 hours of testing on seven bespoke
testing benches and rigs, including on-ground maneuvers in
Toulouse, France, on an A320
modified by the joint venture for the EGTS development program.
Since this aircraft's "first move" in April of this year, the
EGTS fitted to it has logged close to 160 kilometers (100 miles) of
rolling tests. These tests evaluate the system in various load
configurations and runway conditions, through a series of complex
maneuvers such as pushback, tight turns and U-turns, according to
varying specifications of acceleration and speed. The next major
milestone of the testing program following the Paris Air Show will
be to conduct these same maneuvers at speeds up to 20 knots, at
full performance and with the aircraft at maximum take-off weight
(MTOW).
Supporting Quotes
- Brian Wenig, EGTS Program
Vice President, Honeywell Aerospace
"EGTS will be for aviation what hybrid cars were for the
automotive industry. The potential of fuel savings and emissions
reductions that can be had with the system will be monumental for
airlines, delivered by two leaders in their respective
fields."
- Olivier Savin, EGTS Program
Vice President, Safran
"We are extremely pleased to showcase these demonstrations at
the Paris Air Show, proving the credibility of our partnership and
solution. Safran and Honeywell are highly engaged in the
development of electrical technologies for aircraft that will help
the industry revolutionize the way it conducts taxiing operations
in the future. EGTS clearly demonstrates the multiple benefits
gained from a system that combines concrete cost-savings with
significant emissions reductions for the benefits of airlines,
airports and ultimately passengers."
- Jens Berlinson, Test Pilot, Safran
"EGTS is a revolutionary system that brings immediate
benefits for a pilot operating in congested airports. In addition
to faster push-back times, being fully autonomous with its reverse
mode, the system is very smooth and so easy to operate, enabling
the plane to accelerate without any delay, and move at a steady
rate. With EGTS we no longer need to use the brakes unlike with
today's aircraft that have a tendency to accelerate naturally even
when the engines are at idle. This is especially valuable in busy
airports, where planes are often queuing up for an extended period
of time before take-off."
Supporting Resources
About Honeywell Aerospace
- Learn more about EGTS International
- Follow @green_taxiing on Twitter
Thousands of Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found
on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft
worldwide. The Aerospace business unit develops and integrates
technologies that span air traffic modernization, flight and runway
safety, engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, connectivity,
logistics and more that deliver safe, efficient, productive and
comfortable transportation-related experiences. For more
information, visit
http://aerospace.honeywell.com
or follow us at
@honeywell_aero
on Twitter.
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; turbochargers; and performance
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.
About Safran
Safran is a leading international
high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace
propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating
worldwide, the Group has 62,500 employees and generated sales of
13.6 billion euros in 2012. 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 1.6
billion Euros in 2012. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext
Paris and is part of the CAC40 index.
For more information, www.safran-group.com / Follow
@SAFRAN on Twitter
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SOURCE Honeywell