Aero Union Achieves First P-3 Flight of Hamilton Sundstrand Electronic Propeller Control System
WINDSOR LOCKS, USA- North America, Connecticut, Jan 30, 2005
Hamilton Sundstrand’s digital electronic propeller control system (EPCS) for model 54H60 propellers has performed successfully in the initial series of flight tests on the Aero Union P-3 Tanker aircraft at Aero Union facilities in Chico, California.
Bob Farinsky, director of business development, who led this project for Aero Union, said, “Aero Union shares Hamilton Sundstrand’s excitement in successfully initiating the P-3 flight test. I’m continually impressed with the level of expertise and dedication demonstrated by every member of the EPCS team. It has taken a significant effort to achieve this milestone for a flight-critical system.”
Ron Hunter, director of flight operations and former U.S. Navy acceptance test flight engineer for production P3’s at NAVPRO Burbank, said, “The propeller governing and power response was excellent with EPCS. We were much more aggressive with power lever movements than normal P3 operations and the EPCS performed superbly. Engine restarts with the EPCS are much smoother than the current mechanical system. We put the system through its paces and it performed in an outstanding manner.”
“The new system provides a smoother response with a reduction in overshoots and undershoots of the propeller engine speed. The system has worked very well during the ground and initial flight tests,” said Mike Thomas, assistant director of maintenance, and Matt Carlson, maintenance department EPCS Project Lead at Aero Union. “We also can see the benefits to the maintainer with automated checks and fault diagnostics. Man-hours for test and trouble shooting propeller control discrepancies will be saved during annual maintenance. In addition, not having to perform propeller phase angle adjustments on post maintenance check flights will reduce fuel cost and flight time.”
The U.S. Navy is currently flight-testing the C-130 version of EPCS. The EPCS replaces the HS 54H60 mechanical valve housing control and syncrophaser to achieve logistics savings. It is designed to provide a higher level of reliability and to simplify the propeller control calibration. This control architecture was also used on the NP2000 eight-blade propeller now being fielded on the E-2C aircraft.
Hamilton Sundstrand, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX), is headquartered in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Among the world’s largest suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides integrated systems solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It is also a major supplier for global space programs.
Contact:
Robert Schechtman
860-654-2772
Peg Hashem
860-654-3469
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