PHOENIX, Oct. 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell
(NYSE: HON) has released a high-efficiency mode upgrade for
its 131-9A auxiliary power unit for single-aisle Airbus aircraft.
This high-efficiency mode, which is enabled by a software
encryption key, is expected to increase the average time-on-wing by
1,200 flight hours and reduce fuel burn by 2%.
An auxiliary power unit (APU) is a critical piece of aircraft
equipment that provides electrical power and air conditioning while
the plane is on the ground to ensure increased passenger comfort,
and supplies the air source when a pilot is ready to start the main
engines. The 131-9A is known for its reliability and lower
maintenance costs over the course of its entire life cycle,
resulting in significant fuel savings each year.
"Now, more than ever, our airline customers are concerned with
cost savings and operational efficiency. This upgrade is an easy,
one-time modification enabled with software and will be available
first for our Maintenance Service Plan customers, and later for all
operators of 131-9A units," said David
Shilliday, vice president, Engines & Power Systems,
Honeywell Aerospace. "This new upgrade enables extended usage and
better efficiency for our customers' 131-9A auxiliary power units
to help control costs now and in the future."
The upgrade is intended for any aircraft operating a 131-9A APU,
including Airbus A319, A320 and A321 models. Customers enrolled in
Honeywell's Maintenance Service Plan will have access to the
upgrade for no additional cost beginning in late October 2020. It will be available to other
operators with 131-9A APUs beginning in January 2021. For all aircraft, this upgrade can
be installed during any regularly scheduled maintenance event and
does not require additional downtime to implement.
Honeywell's first APU took to the skies in 1950, and the company
has built more than 100,000 since then. More than 36,000 APUs,
including both fixed wing and rotary wing, are in service today
across more than 150 regional, executive, commercial and military
applications.
In 2009, the Honeywell 131-9A APU on an Airbus A320 played a
critical role in the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 in
New York's Hudson River, in which all 155 passengers and
crew survived. Honeywell has shipped more than 15,000 131-9A APUs
since introducing this model in 1995.
About Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually
every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace
business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin
electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components
and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more
fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer
skies and airports. For more information, visit
www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology
company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include
aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings
and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies
help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and
workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and
more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell,
please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
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SOURCE Honeywell