Safran Electric Brake Scores World First on Commercial Jet

(Paris, February 19, 2008) -- On February 13, an electric brake was successfully tested for the first time in the world on a commercial jetliner, an Airbus A340-600. This electric brake technology was developed by Messier-Bugatti, a SAFRAN Group company, through a joint demonstration program with Airbus called EABS - electrically actuated braking system.

The flight tests included landings with automatic braking and rejected takeoffs (RTO).

These tests mark a major step forward in the EABS research program. Launched in 2003, the EABS program aims to determine the advantages of electric brake technology over current hydraulic braking systems on a future "all electric" aircraft.

Electric brakes offer several advantages, including faster installation on the aircraft, more efficient monitoring of brake wear, higher dispatch reliability for the aircraft and simplified maintenance. For airlines, these advantages should translate into a significant reduction in operating costs.

Messier-Bugatti was also selected to design and develop the electric brakes for Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner, scheduled to enter service in early 2009. Several airlines have already chosen Messier-Bugatti's electric brakes for their aircraft.

Source : Safran

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