Hamilton Sundstrand and Safran unit Microturbo have agreed to work as partners on the development of new-generation electrical and bleed auxiliary power units.

The partnership will focus on the business jet market. Its first application will be the Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 aircraft for which Hamilton Sundstrand has been selected as APU supplier. Microturbo is to design, certificate and supply major modules and components for the APU and APU installation system.

Hamilton Sundstrand is owned by United Technologies, also parent to Pratt & Whitney. Its APU business is based in San Diego.

Based in Toulouse, Microturbo specialises in propulsive and power systems, and says it has delivered more than 10,000 units.

In another deal highlighted at the show, AgustaWestland has selected Microturbo's e-APU60 to be installed on its A149 medium-class, multi-role helicopter. The e-APU60 is an auxiliary power unit aimed at new-generation aircraft requiring higher levels of electrical power. It is capable of delivered electrical power of up to 60kWe to activate electric start-up of engines on the ground or in case of in-flight shutdown, or to warm up the cabin.

Delivery of a first e-APU60 for flight tests is due this summer. It is to be certificated for use in the AW149's category by the end of the year, ahead of the new helicopter's qualification in 2013.

Source: Flight Daily News

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