Italy-based Optimares has chosen Crane Aerospace and Electronics to supply the actuation and control system for its first business-class seat programme.
"We consider Optimares a long-term strategic partner for our new mcX control system," said Chris Cook, director of programmes for Crane's Cabin Systems Solutions.
The mcX system includes a proprietary architecture designed to reduce the overall number of components and installation space. For the Opimares application, it will provide the motive force for the 80in (203cm)-pitch Zest business class seat. Three seat actuators will convert the seat into a full-flat bed with reading and indication lights, plus an optional pneumatic lumbar system.
Seat manufacturing newcomer Optimares apparently signed a launch customer for the Zest programme. The company had launched in 2008 and entered the seat market two years later at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.
According to Crane's news release, the first seat deliveries are scheduled later this year, but the customer is not identified.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
