Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has signed a letter of intent with Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) to supply the cargo door actuation system for the COMAC C919 program. The system's lightweight design helps reduce overall aircraft weight and improve fuel efficiency. The value of the contract has not been disclosed.

"Our selection by COMAC was based on Eaton's superior system design and integration capabilities, which optimize aircraft performance and lifecycle cost," said Joe-Tao Zhou, president – Asia Pacific, Eaton's Aerospace Group. "Eaton's innovative solutions are driving growth in China's emerging aerospace market and extending Eaton's broad product portfolio to new markets worldwide."

Eaton's cargo door actuation system will lift the fore and aft cargo doors on the C919 passenger jet. The cargo door actuator contains integrated control electronics, a design innovation that eliminates the need for a separate controller. Eaton's integrated approach saves weight and volume, leading to overall aircraft weight reductions, improved fuel efficiency and lower environmental emissions.