CLEVELAND … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has been selected by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to provide Arc-Alert™ aircraft fault-protection technology as part of a military retrofit program. Eaton will provide new arc-fault circuit breakers for 219 rotorcraft operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, including CH-53D, CH-53E and MH-53E helicopters. The value of the contract has not been disclosed.
Eaton’s patented Arc-Alert™ technology offers a proven, convenient and cost-effective method to replace outdated aircraft circuit protection with next-generation technology to effectively mitigate arcing damage and other hazards caused by electrical faults.
“Eaton has worked closely with our military customers to develop arc-fault protection technology that can be easily integrated into today’s aircraft fleets,” said Mike Ruple, director of military accounts for Eaton’s Aerospace Group. “Eaton has introduced solutions for a number of retrofit programs that are extending the life of military aircraft while enhancing safety.”
Eaton’s technology offers a number of benefits that improve fault detection and simplify the retrofit process. Foremost is built-in redundancy. Should Arc-Alert™ electronics fail for any reason, the breaker will continue to provide thermal over-current protection.
Eaton has actively supported the development of aerospace arc-fault detection and circuit interruption technology (AFCI) for well over a decade and has designed several AFCI configurations to meet a variety of customer and platform requirements.
The DLA is the Department of Defense's largest logistics combat support agency, providing supplies and services to U.S. military forces worldwide. The DLA procures nearly all of the consumable items used by America’s military forces, including 84 percent of the military’s spare parts.
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 more than 100 years of experience providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2011 sales of $16.0 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components, systems and services 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.
