GasTOPS to provide oil debris sensor for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
lift fan.
Ottawa, Canada (November 8, 2005): GasTOPS
Ltd. has been selected by Hamilton Sundstrand of Connecticut to design and
develop an advanced oil debris monitoring sensor for the lift fan of the
F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft propulsion system built by Pratt &
Whitney. Hamilton Sundstrand is a subcontractor to Pratt & Whitney and both
are United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) companies.
The contract will include approximately 30 sensors delivered during the
System Design and Development (SDD) program. The revolutionary lift fan
system provides the capability for the F-35B aircraft to perform short
take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) manoeuvres.
The sensor, based on GasTOPS’ state-of-the-art MetalSCAN technology, will
provide an in-flight early damage detection and warning capability for the
lift fan oil wetted components. Metallic particles entrained in the oil
system are an early indicator of internal component damage. The MetalSCAN
sensor will be installed in-line in the lift fan scavenge lubrication system
to detect, quantify and classify the metallic particles entrained in the oil
system. The data will be processed to provide maintenance and pilot alerts
of damage level and remaining safe operational life.
The lift fan, situated behind the cockpit of the aircraft, generates a
column of cool air that provides nearly 20,000 pounds of lifting power. The
lift fan, combined with an equivalent amount of thrust from the downward
rear exhaust, gives the aircraft its unique vertical landing and take-off
capability.
GasTOPS’ MetalSCAN technology has already been selected for application to
the JSF F135 engine and is already in production as a bill of material part
on the F119 engine of the F/A-22 “Raptor” and on the EJ200 engine of the
Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft.
The F-35 JSF is the U.S. Department of Defense's focal point for the
next-generation strike aircraft weapon systems for the Navy, Air Force and
Marines. Designed to be a multi-role tactical fighter with superior
air-to-ground capabilities, it will eventually serve to replace several of
the U.S. military’s current fighter aircraft, including the F-16 and A-10
fighters. In addition to the U.S. military, the JSF is also being developed
for the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. Six other nations
are involved in the SDD phase of the JSF Program. The JSF’s advanced
airframe, autonomic logistics, avionics, propulsion systems, stealth, and
firepower will ensure that the F-35 is the most affordable, lethal,
supportable and survivable aircraft ever to be used by so many militaries
across the globe.
About Hamilton Sundstrand
Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation and
is headquartered in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Among the world’s largest
suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products, the
company designs, manufactures and services aerospace systems and provides
integrated system solutions for commercial, regional, corporate and military
aircraft. It is also a major supplier for global space programs.
About GasTOPS
Ltd.
GasTOPS is a leading provider of innovative Control and Condition Assessment
Systems that ensure reliable and cost-effective operations of mission-critical
equipment. For more than 25 years, GasTOPS has provided advanced sensors,
integrated control and monitoring systems, portable maintenance aids,
intelligent software systems and engineering know-how to the Defense,
Aviation, Energy and Marine industries world-wide. With operating facilities
in Ottawa, Canada and Pensacola, Florida, GasTOPS is supported by a global
network of partners and distributors throughout Europe, Japan and South
East Asia.
For further information please contact:
Duka Kitaljevich
Director, Business Development
GasTOPS Ltd.
1011 Polytek St.
Ottawa, ON
K1J 9J3
(613) 744-3530
|
