Boeing, FedEx and Honeywell have begun tests of a modified MD-10 with carbon brakes as part of plans to enhance commonality with the MD-11 fleet, save costs and improve performance.
The MD-10 is being tested at Victorville, California where it arrived on 27 August from Los Angeles. The Honeywell carbon brakes, fitted to all main and nose-gear wheels, are lighter than conventional units and will result in significant savings to FedEx which plans to equip all 27 MD-10-10s and five MD-10-30s in its current fleet, plus upcoming aircraft earmarked for conversion. This includes a further 35 DC-10-10s and two DC-10-30s, all of which are expected to be converted by the end of 2008.
Boeing expects to obtain US Federal Aviation Administration certification for the Boeing type change approval in the first quarter of 2005, after which shipments to FedEx will begin with retrofits being undertaken during C checks.
"The modification will reduce spares holdings, as well as cut down on tyre and brake wear," says Boeing, adding that the improved brakes will "reduce stopping distances and increase safety margins by increasing wheel strength, tyre life and fuse plug capacity". Boeing has no plans to offer the retrofit to DC-10 operators as a whole, and says "it really only applies to FedEx", which will equip a grand total of 69 MD-10s.
Brake testing with the original units was completed for baseline FAA evaluation on 31 August and, following modification with the new brake set, testing was due to begin again around 7 September.
Source: Flight International
