APU | Rigid Cargo Barrier | Flight Control Surfaces
While nacelles, thrust reversers, and pylons remain Aerostructures' core products, the division is also committed to expanding its specialized aerostructures product line. APU tailcones for regional jetliners are one such significant new product line.
The APU or Auxiliary Power Unit is an extra engine that is often placed inside an aircraft's tailcone. The APU provides power to the aircraft during ground operation and occasionally during approach to landing - when the main engines are at low power. The tailcone is the structure that surrounds the APU.
Aerostructures is applying the same revolutionary fan cowl technology employed on its Boeing 737-700 and 717 nacelle systems to APU tailcones. This technology features a patented application of an aluminum structure with Nextel fire protection. Nextel - a ceramic fabric -- is very desirable for use in aircraft fire shields because it's lightweight and can stand up to 2,000-degree Fahrenheit temperatures. It's also easier to form than sheet metal. Most competing tailcones feature either titanium or stainless steel structures.
Aerostructures currently supplies the APU tailcone for the Embraer ERJ-170/190 regional jet aircraft family.
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