Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer selected Eaton Corp. [ETN] to supply the on-board inert gas generation system for the KC-390 medium-lift military transport aircraft, according to an Eaton company statement.
Contract details were not disclosed.
Last year, Eaton successfully completed the first multi-tank inerting gas distribution system certification process for the Boeing [BA] 787 Dreamliner twin-engine jet airliner, according to a company statement.
This is the second contract awarded to Eaton on the KC-390 platform, according to a company statement. In a separate agreement announced in 2011, Eaton will design, develop and supply airframe fuel system components for the KC-390 and will provide production units and aftermarket support throughout the life of the program, according to a company statement.
The on-board inert gas generation system enhances aircraft safety by injecting inert gas into fuel tanks to significantly reduce the potential for ignition sources, according to a company statement. Within the Embraer agreements, Eaton will provide fuel system support during the KC-390 development and test phase, which is expected to be completed by 2015, and will perform full system qualification and certification for the integrated fuel-inerting system, according to a company statement.
“Eaton’s dual expertise in designing aircraft fuel and vent systems and certifying fuel-inerting systems was key in our selection for the KC-390 contract,” Frank Dubey, Eaton vice president and general manager for fuel systems, said in a statement.