EAST AURORA, N.Y., 9 Nov. 2005. Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES) was awarded two development contracts by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for further development of its ARCSAFE Wire Insulation Integrity Test technology.
The objective for the current development is to evaluate the merger of current voltage technology with new spark detection technology. Astronics AES expects to complete the $1.5 million development contracts in six to 12 months.
ARCSAFE technology aids in troubleshooting aircraft wiring integrity issues to help avoid catastrophic in flight events related to aging aircraft wiring. Standard preventative maintenance procedures currently involve time-consuming and error-prone visual inspections. The ARCSAFE tools locate wiring faults quickly and efficiently, increasing aircraft safety, decreasing aircraft downtime and saving money.
The ARCSAFE system components include the Micro-Energy Tool (MET) and Insulation Fault Probe (IFP). The MET, which employs an automated, patented Micro-Energy High-Voltage (MEHV) technique, determines the approximate distance to a wiring fault. The IFP isolates the exact fault location, even those not visible to the naked eye. The ARCSAFE tools can be used together or as stand-alone troubleshooting elements.
Upon completion of the FAA development contracts, Astronics AES expects that there could be regulatory changes in wiring inspections requiring the use of technology such as ARCSAFE.
Astronics Corp. produces advanced, high performance lighting, electrical generation, control and distribution systems for the global aerospace industry. Its strategy is to expand the value and content it provides to various aircraft platforms through product development and acquisition. Astronics Corp. has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems and Luminescent Systems Inc. For more information, see www.astronics.com.
