PARIS, June 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins
Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX),
has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide the Environmental
Control Systems (ECS), flaps, ailerons and rudder for the X-59
Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft. Lockheed Martin
Skunk Works® is developing the X-59 for NASA to collect
data that could make supersonic commercial travel over land
possible through low sonic boom technology. Following Collins
Aerospace's earlier announcement that it has been selected to
provide the X-59's avionics, the company has now received a total
of three awards relating to the aircraft.
Supersonic flight presents a challenging operational environment
for both an aircraft's pilot and equipment. The X-59 is a
technology demonstrator designed to cruise at 55,000 feet at a
speed of about 940 mph—similar to a fighter jet, but significantly
higher and faster than commercial airliners which generally cruise
around 35,000 feet at a speed of about 560 mph. Collins Aerospace's
ECS, from the company's Power & Controls business, will play an
integral role in maintaining temperature and pressure for the
X-59's pilot and equipment while it's flying faster than Mach
1. The system will be comprised of the engine bleed air
system, air conditioning system and cockpit pressure control
system. Collins Aerospace is an industry leader in ECS technology,
with versions of its system currently flying on multiple commercial
and military platforms. By utilizing the company's proven ECS
technology, Lockheed Martin will be able to reduce development time
for the X-59.
Leveraging more than 25 years of advanced experience with flight
controls, Collins Aerospace's Aerostructures business will also
provide the crucial flight control surfaces, including flaps,
ailerons and rudder for the X-59. By working closely with Lockheed
Martin on this design, the Aerostructures advanced manufacturing
team will utilize an out-of-autoclave process for a cost-effective
solution that meets Lockheed Martin's schedule.
"The X-59 has the potential to completely disrupt commercial air
travel and forever change the way we move around the world," said
Henry Brooks, president, Customer
& Account Management. "At Collins Aerospace, these are exactly
the kinds of initiatives we're committed to supporting as we
redefine aerospace. We're proud to collaborate with Lockheed Martin
and NASA to provide these critical systems that are integral to the
X-59's success."
The X-59, which is expected to take its first flight in 2021, is
designed to create a sound about as loud as a car door closing,
instead of a sonic boom when heard from the ground. It will be used
to collect data on the acceptability of the quiet sonic boom
generated by the aircraft, helping NASA establish an acceptable
commercial supersonic noise standard to overturn current
regulations banning supersonic travel over land.
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp.
(NYSE: UTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and
intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense
industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace
Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the
capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve
customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly
evolving global market. For more information, visit
CollinsAerospace.com.
About United Technologies Corporation
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides
high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace
industries. By combining a passion for science with precision
engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions
the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our
website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC.
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SOURCE Collins Aerospace