Saab selects Collins Aerospace to provide mission-critical power

Collins Aerospace Systems has been selected by Saab toprovide key power and controls systems for the Boeing T-X trainer, includingthe aircraft’s Power Take Off (PTO) shaft, Auxiliary Power Engine Control Unit(APECU), engine start system and Main Electric Power Generation System (MEPGS).Collins Aerospace announced in January that it would supply its ACES 5 ejectionseat to Boeing for the U.S. Air Force contract, along with the platform‘s fullyintegrated landing gear system.

The shafts are used to transmit power from the engine to theAircraft Mounted Accessory Drive Gearbox. Collins Aerospace’s PTO shaft for theBoeing T-X is constructed with state-of-the-art diaphragm flexures intended toprovide high reliability with no required maintenance.

Collins Aerospace’s APECU is a full-authority, advancedelectronic controller that controls, monitors and diagnoses all phases ofauxiliary power and engine start system operation. The controller alsotransmits fault and maintenance information to the aircraft systems throughredundant communication buses. Collins Aerospace’s engine start system includesa Starter Control Valve and Air Turbine Starter that converts pneumatic power,supplied by the APU and controlled by the starter control valve, intomechanical shaft horsepower to start the engine. The MEPGS will feature CollinsAerospace’s integrated drive generator and digital controls technology todeliver highly reliable constant frequency power.