UTC Aerospace Systems supports Airbus A400M certification and first production delivery

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- PARIS AIR SHOW -- UTC Aerospace Systems proudly supported Airbus Military in securing the A400M's European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification in March 2013 and is preparing for the first production aircraft delivery. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

"We congratulate Airbus Military on the A400M achieving its Type Certificate from the EASA, and we commit our continued support to this important program as we prepare for the first production aircraft delivery to the French Air Force," said Michel Ferey, general manager, Propeller Systems for  UTC Aerospace Systems.

UTC Aerospace Systems supplies a wide range of systems for this multipurpose new-generation airlifter, including the A400M's Secondary Electrical Power Distribution Center, Ram Air Turbine emergency power system, Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator, Throttle Control Assembly, Secondary Flight Controls, Air Data Sensors, Cockpit and Load Master Workstation Lighting, and an eight-bladed 17.5-foot diameter Propeller System, the largest all-composite propeller in production. The Propeller System, which is manufactured by UTC Aerospace Systems' Propeller Systems business, received EASA certification in March 2012, and features a pair of clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating propellers on each wing that enhance overall aircraft stability and control and contribute to overall operating efficiency.

The Secondary Electric Power Distribution Center is highly configurable, using UTC Aerospace System's Solid State Power Controller (SSPC) technology to provide control and protection of the A400M's electrical loads. Each distribution center is capable of controlling more than 600 SSPCs and 15 utility functions.

The RAT emergency power system comprises a 50-inch diameter turbine, with nearly
80 hp of shaft horsepower, to carry the load required to safely land the aircraft if all other forms of electric power are unavailable.

The Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) and Throttle Control Assembly (TCA) are supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Propellers Systems business. The THSA is designed to actuate the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer as a full fail-safe system, powered by dual hydraulic channels and an electric back-up channel. The TCA includes four power levers that permit pilots to drive the four 11,000 hp engines and are equipped to automatically adjust soft detent position to power setting in auto pilot mode.

The Flap System Supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Actuations Systems business is comprised of Ballscrew Actuators, Gearboxes, Torque Limiters and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic Transmission. The Flap System is designed to control the movements of the flap during take-off, approach, landing and military operations. The trailing edge high lift system consists of two flaps with fixed vanes per each side of the wing.

The Air Data System, supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Sensors & Integrated Systems business, consists of three primary systems that provide pressure and flow angle information required for navigation and flight control. The system utilizes the company's Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS) pressure sensors to provide superior accuracy and long-term stability.

The suite of 24 unique cockpit and loadmaster workstation lights, supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems' Page Aerospace, use leading edge LED lighting technology. This lighting is designed to perform with dual functionality, under both normal and night vision conditions.

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, Connecticut, 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