Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Announces Certification of CorePower® System on Pilatus PC-24

Astronics Corporation, a leading supplier of advanced technologies and products to the global aerospace, defense and semiconductor industries, announced today that its CorePower® System, provided by its wholly owned subsidiary Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems (AES), was recently certified by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd on the new PC-24 Super Versatile Jet platform.

Kellsey Justus, Vice President of Astronics AES Airborne Power & Control said, “We are proud to provide our innovative starter generator system and proven electronic circuit breakers to Pilatus for the PC-24. After over 2,000 hours of flight testing, the new starter generator will improve aircraft dispatch reliability, particularly for those aircraft operators with high use, and provide a significant long-term cost savings. Pilatus has been a pleasure to work with and the versatility of the PC-24 makes it an ideal application of our CorePower products.”

The CorePower System on the PC-24 features an Induction Starter Generator System and Electronic Circuit Breaker Units (ECBUs). The Induction Starter Generator System offers a number of operational and cost-saving benefits over traditional starter generators, including a brushless design that lowers the lifetime cost of ownership by greatly reducing required maintenance. The configurable starting capability enables controlled application and removal of torque to reduce transients and results in less stress on the gearbox and electrical system components. Finally, the system also provides full rated power, up to 400 amps, at ground idle.

Additionally, Astronics is providing the secondary power distribution system on the PC-24 with the 1426 Series of CorePower ECBUs. These solid-state units manage power throughout the aircraft and provide fault detection, circuit protection and programmable load management through automated power control functions, reducing pilot workload and improving crew awareness.

The Pilatus PC-24 incorporates FJ44 engines from Williams International, and with the help of Astronics AES’ CorePower System, the PC-24 will be the first FJ44 application to take advantage of Williams’ Quiet Power Mode™, a new proprietary feature enabling the FJ44 to provide quiet, efficient ground power while eliminating the need for a traditional Auxiliary Power Unit.

For over 20 years, Astronics AES has delivered intelligent power management systems to the world’s aerospace industry. Located in Kirkland, Washington, Astronics AES is an industry-leading manufacturer of aircraft electrical power systems, including power generation and distribution. For more details on aircraft electrical power, visit Astronics.com.