Hamilton Sundstrand is preparing its suite of systems for the Airbus A400M new generation airlifter, including the largest all-composite propeller in production, for entry into service. Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

"We congratulate Airbus Military on the A400M achieving its Restricted Type Certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency, and we commit our continued support through function and reliability flight testing toward full civil type certification and military Initial Operating Clearance," said Gail Baker, vice president, Hamilton Sundstrand Aerospace Customers & Business Development.

Hamilton Sundstrand and its subsidiaries supply a wide range of systems for this multipurpose new-generation airlifter, including the A400M's Auxiliary Power Unit, Secondary Electrical Power Distribution Center, Ram Air Turbine emergency power system, Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator, Throttle Control Assembly, Cockpit and Load Master Workstation Lighting, and an eight-bladed 17.5-foot diameter Propeller System, the largest all-composite propeller in production. The Propeller System, which is manufactured by Hamilton Sundstrand subsidiary Ratier-Figeac, received EASA certification on March 22, and features a pair of clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating propellers on each wing that enhance overall aircraft stability and control and contribute to overall operating efficiency.

The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) provides aircraft start capability to 14,500 feet and auxiliary/electrical power up to 40,000 feet. The APU electronic controller interactively interfaces with the aircraft's maintenance computer. The APU received its Technical Standard Order (TSO) C77b from the Federal Aviation Administration in April 2011.

The remaining Hamilton Sundstrand systems are certified as part of the aircraft certification process.

The Secondary Electric Power Distribution Center is highly configurable, using Hamilton Sundstrand's Solid State Power Controller (SSPC) technology to provide control and protection of the A400M's electrical loads. Each distribution center is capable of controlling more than 600 SSPCs and 15 utility functions.

The RAT emergency power system comprises a 50-inch diameter turbine, with nearly

80 hp of shaft horsepower, to carry the load required to safely land the aircraft if all other forms of electric power are unavailable.

The Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) and Throttle Control Assembly (TCA) are supplied by Ratier-Figeac. The THSA is designed to actuate the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer as a full fail-safe system, powered by dual hydraulic channels and an electric back-up channel. The TCA includes four power levers that permit pilots to drive the four 11,000 hp engines and are equipped to automatically adjust soft detent position to power setting in auto pilot mode.

The suite of 24 unique cockpit and loadmaster workstation lights, supplied by Hamilton Sundstrand Electric Systems subsidiary Page Aerospace, use leading edge LED lighting technology. This lighting is designed to perform with dual functionality, under both normal and night vision conditions.