Smiths Aerospace has received FAA approval for its Thrust Reverser Actuation System (TRAS) from General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE). The approval is for certification reports to the FAA's 14 CFAR part 33 requirements for the CF34-10E TRAS used on Embraer's ERJ190 aircraft. This system is being manufactured from Smiths' facilities in California and Wolverhampton.

This system is supplied by Smiths to Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) in Baltimore, who provide the Thrust Reverser structure for the GEAE CF34-10E engine. MRAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of GEAE.

This approval is a major milestone leading to the FAA complete system approval once approval of the 14 CFAR part 25 certification reports are granted. This approval is expected later this year. The CF34-8 TRAS, also produced by Smiths for the Embraer ERJ170 aircraft has already successfully passed both part 33 and part 25 requirements and is thus certified per the FAA requirements.

The win strengthens Smiths industry leadership position in TRAS, adding to awards in the past five years including the A318 (PW6000), ERJ 170 (CF34-8E), ERJ 190 (CF34-10E), Challenger 300 (AS907), Falcon 2000 EX (PW308), Falcon F7X (PW307), and the Power Optimised Aircraft for the European Community (EC) 5th Framework Programme.

FMI: www.smiths-aerospace.com