Hamilton Sundstrand increases its A350XWB content with Ratier-Figeac cockpit side stick controllers

Airbus, an EADS company, has selected Hamilton Sundstrand's Ratier-Figeac unit to supply cockpit side stick controllers for its new A350XWB (Extra Wide Body) aircraft family. Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) .

Hamilton Sundstrand will provide one pilot and one co-pilot cockpit side stick controller per aircraft. They will be designed and produced at the company's Ratier-Figeac facility in Figeac, France. The contract is worth approximately $200 million (USD).

"Hamilton Sundstrand is pleased to be the sole cockpit side stick controller provider for Airbus' commercial aircraft line," said Michel Ferey, Hamilton Sundstrand's Ratier-Figeac president. "We are also excited to continue our partnership with Airbus as it develops its new A350XWB aircraft family. This selection further solidifies Hamilton Sundstrand's position as a leading supplier of aircraft systems."

In addition to being chosen to provide the A350's cockpit side stick controllers, Hamilton Sundstrand was selected by Airbus to provide the A350 XWB's Ram Air Turbine and electric power generation system. Ratier-Figeac was selected by Diehl to provide the cockpit flap control lever. Through ECE, a Zodiac company, Hamilton Sundstrand will provide the solid state power controllers for the aircraft's electric power distribution system. Hamilton Sundstrand's Kidde Aerospace & Defense business was selected by Honeywell to provide the aircraft's bleed air overheat detection system. Through Honeywell, Hamilton Sundstrand's Nord-Micro business will provide the aircraft's ventilation control system including fans and humidification/dehumidification. Hamilton Sundstrand will also provide the pneumatic start system to Rolls-Royce for the Trent XWB engine.

Hamilton Sundstrand's Ratier-Figeac unit designs, manufactures and services cockpit controls and actuation systems for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft. It is also the world's largest propeller supplier for commercial and military aircraft.