Hartzell Engine Tech has delivered its first prototype AeroForce electronic wastegates to undisclosed aircraft engine manufacturers for testing.

Traditionally a producer of hydro-mechanical wastegates, Hartzell Engine Tech has invested in advancing wastegate design. The AeroForce prototype acts as a plug-and-play replacement for hydro-pneumatic units on FADEC-equipped aircraft engines, while electronic applications are also being developed for non-FADEC legacy engines.

“The design intent of the AeroForce prototype is to maintain the current installation envelope and weight while reusing the existing, time-tested hot section butterfly valve and housing,” says Hartzell Engine Tech vice president of engineering Rick Quave. “Our design features a single-point OEM electrical connection, replicates current actuation force by way of a linear actuator and proprietary driver design hardened to comply with DO-160 conditions, ensuring reliable performance across various environments.”

The prototype aims to reduce oil stress by removing multiple leak paths from oil hoses and connections. It also offers immediate responsiveness to engine-measured parameters with FADEC integration.

AeroForce has been designed with fewer components, reducing maintenance costs while improving manifold absolute pressure control, stability and reliability.