Eaton Technology Helps Power First Commercial Flight of 787 Dreamliner by ANA, Japan’s Largest Airline

IRVINE, Calif. … The systems and products of diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation were part of the recent first commercial flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner by ANA.

The more efficient 787 aircraft, which brings big-jet ranges to mid-sized airplanes, features innovative materials and technologies developed by Eaton that contribute to the airplane’s reduced weight and improved fuel efficiency. The aircraft uses 20 percent less fuel than similarly sized jets in operation. 

Eaton’s diverse product portfolio is used extensively across 787 sub-systems, including the aircraft’s nitrogen generation system, which reduces fuel tank flammability. The 787 is the first commercial transport to include a nitrogen generation system in the baseline design. 

ANA’s special round-trip charter flight took place on Oct. 25, traveling from Tokyo-Narita to Hong Kong. ANA is the first airline in the world to operate the 787.

“The first commercial flight is a major milestone for Eaton and the entire 787 supplier team,” said Bradley J. Morton, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “Technologies developed by Eaton are helping usher in a new era of air travel as ANA and other airlines begin investing more in next-generation aircraft. Eaton will continue working with Boeing and the aerospace industry on further improvements in fuel efficiency, weight reduction and safety that will shape the future of air travel.”

Because the 787 is the first commercial wide-body composite airplane, , Eaton engineers worked closely with Boeing to design and develop new fuel systems that are not only compatible with composite structures, but also compliant with stringent new Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

Eaton manufactures components for the aircraft’s power electronic cooling system and cabin pressurization; emergency equipment such as the ram-air turbine which provides hydraulic power to operate the aircraft’s flight control and other systems; and the emergency power assist system that opens aircraft doors in the event of power loss. 

In addition, Eaton manufactures the Dreamliner’s landing gear hoses and the hydraulic motor for the high-lift system used for takeoff and landing; motor controllers; engine feed, override, and jettison fuel pumps; APU fuel pumps and actuators; ball valves, float valves and check valves; jet pumps, pressure relief valves, pressure switches, orifices and flame arrestors.

In the aerospace industry, Eaton is a leading supplier of hydraulic, electro-hydraulic pump and generator products and integrated systems; engine and airframe fuel pumps; electric motors; aircraft door actuation, flight and flow controls; fluid, fuel and air delivery products and systems; nose wheel steering systems; integrated control systems; cockpit controls and displays; power and load management systems; pressure sensors, seals, and fluid health monitoring products and systems. Eaton serves commercial and military aviation, aerospace, military weapons, marine and off-road markets worldwide.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100^th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 73,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.