May 18, 2012
Safran and Honeywell complete electric green taxiing system testing
Honeywell and Safran have completed a new test campaign for their electric green taxiing system on a TUIfly Boeing Next Generation 737-800 aircraft in Montpellier, France. This test campaign marks another key milestone in the development of the electric green taxiing system. These tests evaluate runway conditions and calculate the necessary loads for moving a Next-Generation 737 aircraft on ground. For airlines such as TUIfly that operate high cycle, single aisle aircraft, the electric green taxiing system is expected to generate a projected savings of approximately $200,000 per aircraft per year. Currently under development, the electric green taxiing system will use Honeywell’s auxiliary power unit (APU) generator to power motors in the main wheels, allowing aircraft to taxi without using the aircraft’s engines. Each of the aircraft’s powered wheels will be equipped with an electromechanical actuator, while unique power electronics and system controllers will give pilots total control of the aircraft’s speed and direction during electric taxi operations.
