UTC Aerospace Systems is supplying the first all-new integrated drive generator (IDG) design in more than a decade, an investment of millions of dollars that has been 15 years in development, the company said.
The IDG will supply constant frequency AC electrical power for Embraer E2 jets, including the new E190-E2, which accomplished its first flight on May 23 at São José dos Campos, Brazil. This was also the first E2 flight for the IDG, which UTC Aerospace (Outdoor Exhibit 3 & 4) is providing under contract to Embraer.
The company was challenged to design a constant frequency system that fit within a package originally developed for a variable frequency system to provide continuous power independent of engine speed, said Tim White, UTC Aerospace president for electric systems.
Engineers from UTC Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney collaborated during the design phase of the E2 to integrate the new IDG with an existing Pratt & Whitney engine gearbox. The companies are working on the E2 program under an integrated product development agreement.
The UTC team developed a new patented axial sun differential technology to reduce IDG volume by 33 percent and weight by 5 percent, while eliminating changes to the engine gearbox and increasing input speed range.
The Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1900G engine began testing in 2015 and flew with the E190-E2 for the first time in May. The aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2018. The E175-E2, powered by the PW1700G geared turbofan, is scheduled to enter service in 2020.
UTC Aerospace has also been chosen by Pratt & Whitney to provide nacelles for both engine models. Embraer has chosen UTC to supply wheels and carbon brakes as well as fire protection, evacuation, and air data systems of the E2 series.