The MOU signed will enable Air France to analyze
the potential technical, operational and
financial benefits of the EGTS. In turn, Air
France will provide valuable assistance to
Safran and Honeywell in refining estimated
savings of the system and quantifying other
operational benefits.
Air France’s aircraft utilize a number of
heavily used airports, and the EGTS can provide
a decisive economic advantage at these airports,
while also reducing emissions and noise in the
terminal environment. From early analysis Air
France expects to save the equivalent of several
per cent fuel burn per cycle based on its
current operations, for its fleet of 120 plus
short and medium range aircraft.
Thanks to these substantial fuel savings, a
single aisle aircraft equipped with the EGTS
system also reduces NOx emissions by
approximately 50 per cent and carbon emissions
by approximately 75 per cent during taxiing
maneuvers. Honeywell and Safran are targeting
EGTS entry into service on new aircraft in 2016,
shortly followed by a retrofit option on
existing aircraft.
The EGTS allows aircraft to taxi without
requiring the use of aircraft engines by using
the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) generator to
power motors in the main wheels. Each of the
aircraft’s powered wheels is equipped with an
electromechanical actuator, while unique power
electronics and system controllers give pilots
total control of the aircraft’s speed, direction
and braking during taxi operations. The system
would therefore reduce, if not remove
altogether, the need for aircraft ground
equipment to manoeuvre aircraft in and out of
stands.
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