Page 59 - World Airnews Magazine April 2021

NEWS DIGITAL

payloads up to 110 Ibs (50 kgs), speeds up
to 90 kts (167 km/h) and a range of up to 35
miles (56 km).
This means the APT offers a whole new level
of mission capability for the entire supply
chain.
In its continuing determination to improve
conventional rotorcraft flight, Bell is even
exploring electrically powered technologies
that promise to reduce fuel consumption
and noise pollution. Electrically Distributed
Anti-Torque (EDAT), a bold new initiative
led by light commercial aircraft programme
manager Eric Sinusas, comprises four small
fans within a tail rotor shroud in an offset
two-by-two pattern.
Each of the rotors contains four blades,
powered by four separate motors, with the
electrical energy provided through generators
driven by the turbine engines.
Replacing the traditional tail rotor, EDAT
provides stabilising and steering functions
in a more environmentally friendly manner,
benefiting pilots and passengers as well as
those on the ground.
Through its technological innovation, Bell
is helping pave the way to an eco-friendlier
environment. And the possibilities of using
such technologies will contribute to and
support green initiatives across the world. Q

NEWS DIGITAL

MILESTONE ENGINE SENSOR

DELIVERY FOR F-35

based maintenance decisions rather than the outdated
time-based methods.
The Lockheed Martin 5th Generation F-35 Lightning II is the MetalSCAN is fully integrated into the lubrication system
most advanced fighter jet in the world. of the F-35’s F135 engine on all three variants, as well as the
One of the many aspects that sets the F-35 above the rest LiftFan drive gear box on the F-35B variant. MetalSCAN provides
is its Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, which utilizes cutting-edge advanced analytics through early detection, severity, and
technologies - designed and manufactured by Canadian remaining life indication to predict the health of flight critical
companies - to provide a step change in performance, safety bearings and gears.
and reliability over 4th generation fighter engines. Pratt & Whitney’s F135 - which powers all three variants
Gastops, a company located in Ottawa, Canada that of the F-35 Lightning II - is the world’s most advanced fighter
specialises in equipment intelligence technology, provides up engine, providing operators with a significant technological
to 4 engine sensors on the F-35A, B and C variants and is proud advantage.
to announce that it has recently delivered its 3,500th engine With its advanced damage tolerant design and fully integrated
sensor to the F-35 programme. prognostic health monitoring, made possible in part by
The F-35 programme relies on a highly accelerated supply Gastops’ sensors, the F135 has demonstrated a 93% reduction
chain of which Gastops is a key contributor. Aerospace supply in unscheduled engine removals over 4th generation fighter
chains have been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic engines.
and despite these impacts, the demand for the F-35 programme Gastops has been a part of nearly every major Pratt &
has remained steady. Even under these difficult circumstances, Whitney engine program since its debut on the F119 engine,
Gastops' production facility has continued to meet all scheduled powering the F-22 Raptor, in the early 1990’s.
deliveries. MetalSCAN is also used to monitor critical components for
At the forefront of these sensing technologies is Gastops’ the Pratt & Whitney GTF commercial engine family. Gastops
MetalSCAN Oil Debris Monitoring sensors. MetalSCAN sensing looks forward to its continued partnership with Pratt & Whitney
technology offers a real-time condition indication of the health and the shared vision to provide solutions that improve safety
of critical components in the engine by enabling condition- and reliability. Q

World Airnews | April Extra 2021
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