Alenia Aermacchi engineers opt for Honeywell environmental, cabin press controls

PARIS, 18 June 2015. Engineers atAlenia Aermacchi needed an environmental control system for the company’s new, lightweight M-345 High Efficiency Trainer jets, due to enter service in 2018. They found their solution at Honeywell Aerospace (NYSE:HON), and signed a contract for Honeywell’s Environmental Control Systems and Cabin Pressure Control Systems, designed for aircraft cooling, cockpit pressurization, and temperature control.

Honeywell’s Environmental Control Systems (ECS) and Cabin Pressure Control Systems (CPCS) are designed to help keep pilots comfortable and safe while performing high-demand maneuvers in the new M-345 trainer.

Honeywell’s system is a lightweight option: the company’s Air Cycle ECS typically weighs 20 percent less and are easier to support in the aftermarket, officials say. Because they do not contain liquid refrigerant, it eliminates the risk of leaking and the need to refill the system or drain it for repair purposes.

For the M-345, Honeywell was able to transfer 16 common components of both the ECS and the CPCS from the existing Alenia Aermacchi M-346, drastically reducing the number of new parts required for the M-345. In turn, this benefits Alenia Aermacchi and customers with minimized technical risk, lower logistics support time, and reduced costs due to common spare parts between both platforms.

“This deal represents a significant milestone for Honeywell and Alenia Aermacchi, broadening our strategic relationship and providing considerable benefits for pilots and owners of the new M-345,” explains Steve Lien, vice president, Defense and Space International, Honeywell Aerospace. “By transferring Honeywell’s technology from the existing M-346, we are helping Alenia Aermacchi save time and cut costs, and keep pilots safe and comfortable.”

The M-345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET) is the latest military pilot trainer aircraft from Alenia Aermacchi. Aimed at the basic through advanced phases of training, the design was launched officially in February 2014. Based on the M-311 demonstrator, the M-345 trainer is cost-effective and offers low acquisition and life-cycle costs in comparison to heavyweight turboprop trainers, according to company officials.

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on commercial, defense, and space aircraft. The Aerospace business unit develops solutions for more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, safer flying and runway traffic, along with aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services, logistics, and more, according to company officials.