Eaton Helps Power Boeing C-17 Fleet to 2 Million Hour Milestone

March 7, 2011
Eaton components on the C-17 include the 4000 psi (27579 kPa) engine-driven pump that powers the aircraft’s hydraulic systems and the stabilizer strut deployment actuator that stabilizes the aircraft for cargo loading and unloading.

IRVINE, Calif. … As a key component supplier for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III fleet of airlifters, diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation helped the fleet surpass 2 million flying hours during a U.S. Air Force mission in Afghanistan. Two million hours is approximately 1.13 billion nautical miles — the equivalent of flying to the moon and back 2,360 times.

“Eaton is proud to be a part of the Boeing C-17 platform and the role it has played in a multitude of life-saving military, humanitarian and disaster-relief missions around the world,” said Bradley J. Morton, president of Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “We congratulate Boeing on this monumental milestone for the C-17 fleet.”

Eaton components on the C-17 include the 4000 psi (27579 kPa) engine-driven pump that powers the aircraft’s hydraulic systems and the stabilizer strut deployment actuator that stabilizes the aircraft for cargo loading and unloading demonstrate the company’s wide-ranging technologies and capabilities, from nose-to-tail and wingtip-to-wingtip. Eaton also contributes a broad range of electro-mechanical products for the C-17 flight control mechanism that trims the aileron and rudder control systems; quick-disconnect couplings, swivels and lightweight Kevlar hoses that support conveyance systems throughout the aircraft; and fuel boost pumps and canisters for the C-17 fuel system.

Boeing reported that the 2 million hour milestone mission was flown on Dec. 20, 2010 by a U.S. Air Force C-17 during an airdrop of 74,000 pounds of jet fuel in support of U.S. and coalition troops just south of Kabul.

According to Boeing, 226 airlifters are in service around the world with a mission readiness rate of more than 85 percent. Last year the C-17 workload increased as the fleet supported lifesaving aeromedical evacuations of wounded troops from Afghanistan and Iraq and relief missions for several natural disasters, including earthquakes in Pakistan, Chile and Haiti.

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 100th 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 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.