A fuel tank inerting system contract award for the new Bombardier Learjet 85 business jet underscores diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation's continued growth as a leading fuel-inerting system supplier for the aerospace industry. Eaton will supply the fuel tank inerting system and also support the regulatory process to achieve FAA inerting system certification for the Learjet 85 program. Last year, Eaton successfully completed the industry's first multi-tank inerting gas distribution system certification process for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

"Eaton's dual expertise in fuel-inerting system design and certification was instrumental in our selection for the Learjet 85 contract," said Jerry Smithson, divisional sales director of Eaton's fuel systems division. "Since the original hydraulic contract award in 2008, Eaton has more than doubled the top-line Learjet 85 program content, which validates Eaton's global strength in power management and the continued development of fuel-inerting technologies that help improve aircraft safety."

The fuel tank inerting system enhances aircraft safety by injecting inert gas into fuel tanks to significantly reduce the potential for ignition sources. Earlier this year, Eaton announced that it had been selected by Embraer Defense and Security as the fuel-inerting system supplier for the next-generation KC-390 military transport aircraft.

On April 18, Eaton's aerospace facility in Jackson, Miss, received a Bombardier Achieving Supplier Excellence (BASE) award for achieving top supplier performance standards. The BASE program recognizes suppliers that support Bombardier's strategy "to deliver an amazing customer experience through superior performance," according to award literature.