Dornier Seastar amphibious aircraft to feature AMETEK PDS starter generators, GCUs and actuation systems

In March 2020, the Dornier Seawings team reached a key milestone when they received EASA and LBA approvals and successfully performed a 31-minute first flight in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany with their Seastar amphibious aircraft, which is currently in development. AMETEK PDS starter generators, generator control units (GCUs), aileron trim actuators and rudder trim actuators were featured on the first flight.

The new Seastar is designed to efficiently connect land and sea through the sky by offering new, highly efficient propellers as well as a corrosion-resistant composite structure that will significantly reduce maintenance costs and downtime, particularly in sea water operations.

The vastly improved Seastar turboprop has two AMETEK PDS ducted 300 Amp Starter Generators (MG88C-1) with a Quick Attach / Detach kit (KG88C-1) and an Air Inlet Adapter (VC88C-1). These components are designed to offer maximized output at low speeds for optimal fuel savings. Power from the Starter Generators is controlled through complementary PDS patented voltage regulation technology analog Generator Control Units (CG208A-1).

In addition, the Seastar's Aileron Trim (ACL23C-1) and Rudder Trim (ACL23C-1) are powered by AMETEK PDS Linear Actuators, which can move up to 5,000 lbs. The Actuators feature a mechanical and force torque limiting design that minimizes the opportunity for system level and nuisance trips.