Boeing has begun manufacturing 737 Next Generation aircraft with center wing tanks that feature Honeywell nitrogen generation systems (NGSs), and expects to issue service bulletins for retrofits to aircraft in service within six months to satisfy a recent FAA rulemaking.
Honeywell and Boeing have been working on the system since 2004 while the FAA went through its rule-making process following the 1996 loss of TWA Flight 800 to a center fuel tank explosion.
Honeywell’s Steve Pitts, VP of Boeing business segment, said first production for 777s will begin by the end of the year and 747-8s by early next year. On a 737, the NGS system adds about 120 pounds to the aircraft’s weight. For a larger 747 tank, it adds 275 pounds.
The FAA rule requires action within two years and applies only to commercial aircraft built since 1992 operated by U.S. carriers--about 2,700 in all.
Honeywell is developing systems for “classic” 737-300/400/500s, 757s, 767s, 777s and 747-400s. Boeing also selected Honeywell to build an NGS system for the 747-8, which is under development.
The 787 series is the first new production aircraft that will be built with an NGS as standard equipment. Hamilton Sundstrand holds that contract.
NGS is mandated only to center fuel tanks because they face venting issues that wing tanks don’t. Center fuel tanks are normally reserved for long-distance aircraft and are normally a customer choice.
Retrofits will be needed for 965 737s, 60 747s, 475 757s, 150 767s and 130 777s.
http://www.aviationweek.com.ezproxy.libproxy.db.erau.edu/search/AvnowSearchResult.do?reference=xml/awx_xml/2008/07/29/awx_07_29_2008_p0-70232.xml
Fonte: Flight Safety Information 31/07/2008.
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