UTC Aerospace Systems improves flexibility and efficiency of software deployment for "nerve center" of aircraft power systems

UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., has developed a revolutionary design approach to the Secondary Power Distribution System (SPDS), the "nerve center" of an airplane's power system. The patent-pending process is called the UTC Advanced Data Programming Toolset or UaDAPT®, pronounced "you adapt," and results in significant time savings, allowing UTC Aerospace Systems engineers or customers to define, create and verify software modules or utilities in weeks. This rapid development cycle provides significant flexibility and efficiency in developing SPDS utility software.

In aircraft, the SPDS helps enable seamless control and protection of all electrically powered devices, such as window wipers, fans, pumps, heaters and lights, by controlling how electrical power is switched to various subsystems including avionics, engines, hydraulics, landing gear and more. Until now, a single, complicated software package that requires a long development process has managed this task.

Using the UaDAPT suite of tools, Embraer engineers have been able to create, modify, configure and install their own utilities directly within the framework of the SPDS. The new technology, first deployed on Embraer's E2 family of commuter jets, also enables system improvements and updates while aircraft are in service and the customization of aircraft with specific avionics, galley or passenger entertainment systems.

"UaDAPT technology gives UTC Aerospace Systems a strategic advantage going forward, and we believe we have one of the most advanced and flexible solutions in the market today," said Andy Bellis, chief engineer, UTC Aerospace Systems, Embraer E2 program. "Our customers want this technology, and it gives us an opportunity to be the industry's standard bearers for years to come."

UaDAPT meets all applicable software certification, safety and cybersecurity requirements. In addition, UaDAPT streamlines the certification process providing the framework to regenerate and certify individual utilities.

"By using the UaDAPT process, aircraft engineers will be able to save time, do their jobs more efficiently and gain more control in deploying system improvements and updates," said Tim White, president, Electric Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems. "We are excited about the possibilities UaDAPT creates for Embraer and the industry and look forward to working together on further developments."

Collaboration between engineers from UTC Aerospace Systems Electric Systems team in Rockford, Illinois, and Embraer made the new technology possible and enabled the rapid simulation, testing and deployment of the SPDS. The first flight using UaDAPT technology with the new Embraer E190-E2 took off in May at Embraer's facilities in São José dos Campos, Brazil.