UTC Aerospace Systems supports Airbus A350-900 first flight

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- UTC Aerospace Systems' products supported the Airbus' A350-900 first flight today.  UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

"Congratulations to the men and women of Airbus on today's first flight of the A350 XWB," said Gail Baker, UTC Aerospace Systems vice president, Aerospace Customers and Business Development.  "UTC Aerospace Systems is very proud of our role on the new aircraft, with more than 20 aircraft systems operating from takeoff through landing. On behalf of our team, we look forward to working closely with Airbus through the flight test program and successfully into service."

The UTC Aerospace Systems Electric Systems business, based in Rockford, Ill., provides the Electric Power Generation System and Ram Air Turbine Emergency Power System for the Airbus A350 XWB. The generation system comprises four 100 kVA, 230-volt variable frequency generators. The Emergency Power System incorporates a 50-inch diameter ram air turbine, controllers and deployment mechanism.

The Burnsville, Minn. Sensors & Integrated Systems business was selected to supply the air data probes which provide critical air data parameters to the vehicle management computers for the aircraft's flight control and pilot display systems.

Sensors & Integrated Systems was also selected to supply the external video system which integrates video information inside and outside the aircraft, processes it for display and sends it to the flight deck.

UTC Aerospace Systems' Wheels & Brakes business, one of two suppliers selected by Airbus to provide A350 XWB wheels and brakes to operators, provided the wheels and brakes for the inaugural A350-900 flight test aircraft. The wheel and brake system features our most advanced friction material, DURACARB^®. The successful service history of DURACARB has yielded a 35 percent greater brake life than competing carbon braking materials, resulting in significant cost savings for operators. The Wheels & Brakes business is based in Troy, Ohio.

UTC Aerospace Systems Aerostructures business, based in Chula Vista, Calif., provides the nacelle system, comprising the fan cowl, electric thrust reverser system and exhaust which are integrated with the Airbus-provided inlet.  This is the largest nacelle provided by UTC Aerospace Systems to date, making extensive use of advanced composite materials.  These lightweight technologies are capable of making aircraft more environmentally friendly through increased fuel efficiency and significantly reduced engine noise.

UTC Aerospace Systems Propeller Systems business, based in Figeac, France, supplies one pilot cockpit side-stick, and one co-pilot cockpit side-stick controller per aircraft. 

A350 XWB customers can select from a combination of six different cabin attendant and cockpit seating options supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Interiors business in Phoenix, Ariz.

UTC Aerospace Systems has also been selected to provide the main landing gear for the A350-1000.

UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

For updates from United Technologies Corp.'s aerospace businesses visit www.utcaero.com or follow @UTC on Twitter.

SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems