[Avionics Today 11-21-2014] Honeywell and Safran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China Aviation Energy & Emission Solutions (CAAES) to evaluate the benefits of the EGTS electric taxiing system for Chinese airlines and airports and its potential deployment in China.
Honeywell and Safran’s joint venture is developing the EGTS technology, which uses the aircraft’s electrical power to drive motors on the main landing gear wheels. This enables the aircraft to push back and taxi autonomously without using its main engines, saving up to 4 percent block fuel consumption per flight as well as up to 75 percent of carbon emissions and 50 percent of NOx emissions.
Within the scope of the agreement, CAAES will assist the joint venture in assessing Chinese airports’ on-ground operational practices and associated regulations. The partners will also work together to quantify fuel savings and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in China, in order to substantiate all potential benefits. Project completion is projected for 2020.