Honeywell To Analyze Volcanic Ash Ingestion In Its Turbine Engines | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-06.02.25

Airborne-NextGen-06.03.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.04.25

Airborne-AffordableFlyers-06.05.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.06.25

Sun, May 30, 2010

Honeywell To Analyze Volcanic Ash Ingestion In Its Turbine Engines

Data Was Collected By A Research Aircraft That Flew 30 Hours Through Ash Clouds

It's been a while since we've heard about widespread airspace closures due to the eruption of the volcano in Iceland. But it's certainly a question of when, rather than if, such an event will happen in the future. And what has become evident is that much more needs to be known about how volcanic ash affects turbine aircraft engines. With that in mind, Honeywell said Thursday that it will be analyzing the effects of ash ingestion in two of its TPE331 turboprop engines which were used to gather scientific data during the recent volcanic eruptions and flights into the subsequent ash cloud over Europe.


TPE331 Engine

The engines powered a Dornier 228 and accumulated 10 hours of operation in the volcanic ash cloud and an additional 22 hours of operation in the outer zone of the cloud. The engines have been returned to Phoenix, AZ  for analytical teardown and evaluation.

"The industry has little information on the effects of volcanic ash ingestion in turbine engines and we hope the data we gain from this effort will help define operational impact to the engine and any damage to components," said Ronald J. Rich, Vice President, Propulsion Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. "These volcanic eruptions give us an opportunity to systematically analyze volcanic ash impact to our engines and this examination could yield a basis for future turbine engine performance and maintenance service data."

The TPE331 powered aircraft operated by the Natural Environment Research Council in the United Kingdom, was collecting particulate data at one second intervals during their flights into the clouds. The data includes composition of the debris along with navigational and engine operational data.


Volcanic Ash Cloud Photo 4.17.10

Also known to have flown aircraft into and around the volcanic plume is Germany's Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR, who operated a Falcon 20-5, powered by Honeywell's TFE-731-5BR engines. The DLR is Germany's national research center for aeronautics and space. DLR's extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, transportation and energy is integrated into German and international cooperative ventures.

The British Met Office Information, a weather service organization also flew its Honeywell ALF 502 powered BAE-146 around the plume. The British Met office predicts weather for the United Kingdom and is a significant contributor to the global understanding of climate change and weather science.

FMI: www.honeywell.com

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (06.03.25): No Gyro Approach

No Gyro Approach A radar approach/vector provided in case of a malfunctioning gyro-compass or directional gyro. Instead of providing the pilot with headings to be flown, the contro>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (06.03.25)

Aero Linx: European Hang Gliding and Paragliding Union (EHPU) The general aim of the EHPU is to promote and protect hang gliding and paragliding in Europe. In order to achieve this>[...]

ANN FAQ: Turn On Post Notifications

Make Sure You NEVER Miss A New Story From Aero-News Network Do you ever feel like you never see posts from a certain person or page on Facebook or Instagram? Here’s how you c>[...]

Airborne 05.30.25: Anti-Helicopter Bill, PW Strike Done, All-Electric Bristell

Also: Duffy Wants $$$, KS Airports, Morningside U’s Aviation School, New Airstrip In ID After 6 were killed in a helicopter crash over the Hudson River, several US Representa>[...]

Airborne 05.29.25: ATC Bonu$, VX4 eVTOL Flies, Starship 9 Test

Also: Hermeus Quarterhorse MK1, Seaplane Rating Guide, Vietjet A330neos, SFO Wacky Weed Bust As the air traffic controller shortage trudges on, the US Department of Transportation >[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC