C919 : TRCU

China’s new jetliner, the Comac C919, will be fitted with a thrust reverser control unit (TRCU) developed by Safran Power. It controls the electrical thrust reverser actuation system made by Nexcelle, a joint venture between Aircelle (Safran group) and Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS), a GE company.


A compact high-tech package featuring a simplified architecture

Mounted on the fan housing of the new LEAP-IC engine developed by CFM International (the 50/50 joint venture between Snecma and GE), chosen to power the Comac C919, the TRCU communicates with the electronic engine control (EEC), processes information from sensors, and controls the electric motors that open and close the thrust reverser. All of the functions handled by the TRCU are similar to those on the ETRAS system for the A380. The TRCU features a more recent design, for a better combination of performance, volume and weight. Furthermore, the ongoing progress in power electronics devices and the technical choices made according to the design to cost and weight methodology make this control unit a powerful high-technology package.

The C919 TRCU is designed, developed and produced by Safran Power, a Hispano-Suiza division, in conjunction with Safran Electronics, a division of Sagem. The C919 is scheduled to make its first flight in 2014, and will enter revenue service in September 2016.