Improvements to the 131-9B APU enable more efficient operation and new
savings for operators of Boeing 737 aircraft
PHOENIX, June 19,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON)
has unveiled a new High-Efficiency Mode (HEM) upgrade for its
131-9B auxiliary power unit (APU) for
Boeing 737 aircraft. HEM is enabled by an innovative and highly
efficient diffuser, controlled by software that autonomously
regulates airflow to the APU compressor section. The HEM capability
upgrade is expected to provide fuel savings and efficiency as well
as CO2 emissions savings of 1% to 2% (estimated reduction of 0.5 to
0.6 gallons per APU hour) and increase time-on-wing by up to 1,500
APU flight hours, lowering fuel and maintenance costs.
An APU is critical aircraft equipment that provides electrical
power and air conditioning while the plane is on the ground to
ensure increased passenger comfort. It also supplies the power
source when a pilot is ready to start the main engines. The
131-9B is known for its reliability
and lower maintenance costs over its entire life cycle.
"Globally, airlines are working to reduce their carbon footprint
and every incremental step will help them achieve their net-zero
carbon emissions targets," said Heath
Patrick, president, Americas Aftermarket, Honeywell
Aerospace. "An airline with a fleet of 50 737s could realize as
much as $450,000 in annual fuel
savings and reduce its emissions by up to 1,100 metric tons of CO2,
depending on operating conditions. A major airline carrier
recognized a fuel savings of 2.46 percent from the use of the
131-9A auxiliary power unit. Additionally, increased time-on-wing
can reduce maintenance costs by decreasing servicing events,
providing average savings of $315,000
for each avoided service visit."
The upgrade is intended for any aircraft already operating a
131-9B APU, including Boeing 737-600,
737-700, 737-800, 737-900 and 737 MAX models. It will be available
to operators with 131-9B APUs in the
second half of this year. This upgrade can be installed during any
regularly scheduled maintenance event and does not require
additional downtime to implement for newer 131-9B APUs (series 49 and above) delivered with the
new diffuser, which enables an on-wing upgrade to HEM.
The HEM upgrade was previously introduced on the Airbus A320
Series aircraft in 2020 and is now installed on over 700 131-9A
APUs.
Honeywell's first APU took to the skies in 1950, and the company
has built more than 100,000 since then. More than 36,000 APUs,
including both fixed wing and rotary wing, are in service today
across more than 150 regional, executive, commercial and military
applications.
About Honeywell
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually
every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace
business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin
electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components
and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more
fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights and safer
skies and airports. For more information, visit
www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) delivers industry-specific
solutions that include aerospace products and services; control
technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials
globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing
plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make
our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and
information on Honeywell, please visit
www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
Contacts:
Media
Ahjay Rai
(980) 384-5662
Ahjay.Rai@honeywell.com
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SOURCE Honeywell
