Hispano-Suiza plays a major role on the new Airbus A380, as supplier of the new electrical thrust reverser actuation system, or ETRAS. This innovative system, a world first in commercial aviation, eliminates the need for hydraulic circuits on this important function. We talked with Jamil Dirani, Vice President Sales, Support and Services at Hispano-Suiza.
What exactly is ETRAS?
It’s an all-electric system that operates the thrust reversers without calling on the hydraulic circuits used on all current commercial aircraft. The entire drive train is controlled electrically, including the actuators, which are no longer hydraulic. The electromechanical actuators are controlled by a digital computer, along with a power amplifier. In addition to reducing aircraft weight, this type of system offers lower cost of ownership and easier maintenance.
We developed ETRAS in an equal partnership with Honeywell, starting at the end of 2001; they bring to the table their mechanical expertise, while Hispano-Suiza contributes its knowledge of electronics and digital systems. ETRAS is a registered trademark of Hispano-Suiza.
What kind of engines are fitted with ETRAS? And what is your relationship with Airbus?
The system was developed for the two engines offered on the A380, the Rolls-Royce Trent 902 and the Engine Alliance GP7200. It only concerns the inboard engines, since these are the only ones fitted with thrust reversers. We are developing ETRAS for our customer Aircelle, a fellow SAFRAN group company, which is in charge of design and manufacture of the A380 nacelles and thrust reversers. The operation of this electrical system in the harsh engine environment demonstrates Hispano-Suiza’s powerful development capabilities. Our challenge was to successfully integrate power electronics components in an environment characterized by strong thermal and vibration constraints – for instance acceleration of up to 40 G, at frequencies of 0 to 3,000 Hz and temperatures ranging from –63°C to +110°C.
Our collaboration with Airbus goes through Aircelle. Along with Honeywell, we quite simply responded to the specifications issued by the aircraft manufacturer when it set up its supply chain for this aircraft. We submitted the ETRAS system, and showed the advantages of this new technology, based on our electronics expertise and recent advances in electrical control systems. For the rest, we worked hand in hand with Aircelle.
Was Hispano-Suiza’s expertise in FADECs useful in the development of ETRAS?
The ETRAS system is a first step towards the “all electric” airplane, and of course our expertise in FADECs (full authority digital engine control) was very useful. Hispano-Suiza offers a unique set of aeronautical competencies and technologies. We are specialists in control systems, power transmissions and power electronics, a business profile that places us at the heart of power management, forging our unique position. For us, electrical system integration is a real application, and we are the first in the world to apply this technology, especially on the A380. You could also say that “all electric” solutions are a specialty of the SAFRAN group; take for instance the electrical braking systems offered by Messier-Bugatti. The road to the “more electric” aircraft is wide open.
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