Canadian airframer Bombardier plans to test new brake system technology developed by Meggitt on a demonstrator aircraft in the coming weeks.
Bombardier is removing the hydraulic braking system on its demonstrator aircraft and replacing it with Meggitt's EBrake suite that features electro-mechanically actuated brakes, brake data concentrators, electronic motor actuation control units and supporting aircraft wiring and power distribution.
The airframer will perform all braking functions using the Meggitt system including normal, emergency and parking modes. Bombardier says it plans to leave the EBrake system on the aircraft for an extended period of time "in order to validate the robustness and reliability of its design".
Meggitt notes electronically-actuated brakes supply improved signal response for enhanced braking and anti-skid efficiency. The company also says the system improves dispatch reliability through its fault-tolerant plug-and-play modular design, and eliminates hydraulic leaks that lead to aircraft on ground events.
Currently Meggitt supplies wheels and hydraulic brakes for Bombardier's Learjet 60 XR and Challenger 605 and 850 jets. Those products area also featured on the CRJ200 commercial jet.
Bombardier offers the Meggitt total hydraulic braking system on its CRJ700/900 aircraft.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
