Astronics to Provide Advanced Frequency Converter for NASA-Boeing X-66 Demonstrator Aircraft
Astronics (Nasdaq: ATRO) has been selected to provide the Frequency Converter Unit (FCU) for the NASA and Boeing Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) X-66 aircraft demonstrator. The FCU will convert 115VAC, 3-phase Variable Frequency Generator output to 115VAC, 3-phase, constant frequency (400 Hz) for the aircraft's main power buses.
As a long-term supplier of electrical power system products to Boeing, Astronics will collaborate on ground and flight tests scheduled to begin in 2028. The TTBW program represents a significant step toward the aviation industry's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Astronics (Nasdaq: ATRO) è stata selezionata per fornire l'Unità di Conversione di Frequenza (FCU) per il dimostratore dell'aereo Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) X-66 della NASA e Boeing. La FCU convertirà l'uscita del Generatore di Frequenza Variabile a 3 fasi da 115VAC in 115VAC, a 3 fasi, a frequenza costante (400 Hz) per i bus di alimentazione principali dell'aereo.
In qualità di fornitore a lungo termine di prodotti per sistemi di alimentazione elettrica per Boeing, Astronics collaborerà ai test a terra e in volo previsti per iniziare nel 2028. Il programma TTBW rappresenta un passo significativo verso l'obiettivo dell'industria aeronautica di raggiungere emissioni nette zero entro il 2050.
Astronics (Nasdaq: ATRO) ha sido seleccionada para proporcionar la Unidad de Conversión de Frecuencia (FCU) para el demostrador del avión Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) X-66 de la NASA y Boeing. La FCU convertirá la salida de un Generador de Frecuencia Variable de 3 fases de 115VAC a 115VAC, 3 fases, de frecuencia constante (400 Hz) para los buses de energía principales del avión.
Como proveedor a largo plazo de productos de sistemas de energía eléctrica para Boeing, Astronics colaborará en las pruebas en tierra y en vuelo programadas para comenzar en 2028. El programa TTBW representa un paso significativo hacia el objetivo de la industria de la aviación de lograr emisiones netas cero para 2050.
Astronics (Nasdaq: ATRO)는 NASA와 Boeing의 Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) X-66 항공기 시연을 위한 주파수 변환기 유닛(FCU)을 제공하기 위해 선정되었습니다. FCU는 항공기의 주요 전력 버스를 위해 115VAC, 3상 가변 주파수 발생기 출력을 115VAC, 3상, 고정 주파수(400 Hz)로 변환합니다.
Boeing에 전력 시스템 제품을 장기적으로 공급해온 Astronics는 2028년 시작 예정인 지상 및 비행 테스트에 협력할 것입니다. TTBW 프로그램은 2050년까지 탄소 중립 목표를 달성하기 위한 항공 산업의 중요한 진전을 나타냅니다.
Astronics (Nasdaq: ATRO) a été sélectionnée pour fournir l'Unité de Conversion de Fréquence (FCU) pour le démonstrateur d'avion Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) X-66 de la NASA et de Boeing. La FCU convertira la sortie d'un générateur de fréquence variable triphasé de 115VAC en 115VAC, triphasé, à fréquence constante (400 Hz) pour les bus d'alimentation principaux de l'avion.
En tant que fournisseur à long terme de produits pour systèmes d'alimentation électrique pour Boeing, Astronics collaborera aux tests au sol et en vol prévus pour commencer en 2028. Le programme TTBW représente une étape significative vers l'objectif de l'industrie aéronautique d'atteindre des émissions nettes nulles d'ici 2050.
Astronics (Nasdaq: ATRO) wurde ausgewählt, um die Frequenzumwandlungseinheit (FCU) für den Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) X-66 Flugzeugdemonstrator von NASA und Boeing bereitzustellen. Die FCU wird die Ausgabe eines 3-phasigen variablen Frequenzgenerators von 115VAC in 115VAC, 3-phasig, konstanter Frequenz (400 Hz) für die Hauptstrombussysteme des Flugzeugs umwandeln.
Als langfristiger Lieferant von elektrischen Energiesystemprodukten für Boeing wird Astronics bei den 2028 geplanten Boden- und Flugtests zusammenarbeiten. Das TTBW-Programm stellt einen bedeutenden Schritt in Richtung des Ziels der Luftfahrtindustrie dar, bis 2050 Netto-Null-Emissionen zu erreichen.
- Selected as key technology provider for NASA-Boeing X-66 demonstrator project
- Strengthens existing relationship as long-term supplier to Boeing
- Positions company in sustainable aviation technology development
- None.
Insights
Astronics securing the Frequency Converter Unit (FCU) contract for the NASA-Boeing X-66 demonstrator represents a strategic win that enhances the company's position in the sustainable aviation technology sector. The selection validates Astronics' technical capabilities in power conversion systems—a crucial component for bridging legacy and next-generation aircraft systems.
The FCU's function of converting variable frequency power to constant 400Hz output addresses a critical challenge in experimental aircraft development: enabling the use of proven legacy systems alongside innovative propulsion technologies. This technological bridge reduces integration risks while supporting advancement toward more efficient aircraft designs.
The NASA-Boeing Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) program represents one of the most significant aeronautical engineering initiatives focused on sustainability, with potential fuel efficiency improvements of up to 30% compared to conventional designs. By securing a position in this high-profile program, Astronics gains valuable exposure in the emerging sustainable aviation ecosystem.
What's particularly notable is how this contract reinforces Astronics' established relationship with Boeing across both commercial and defense sectors. The 2028 testing timeline indicates a multi-year engagement that should provide steady development work. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the real value extends beyond immediate revenue—it positions Astronics at the intersection of legacy systems expertise and next-generation sustainable aviation technology.
As the aviation industry pursues its 2050 net-zero emissions target, companies that can effectively bridge current and future technologies will find themselves advantageously positioned. This contract demonstrates Astronics' ability to provide that critical infrastructure, potentially opening doors to additional opportunities as sustainable aviation technology continues to evolve.
The FCU changes the output of the newly adapted 115VAC, 3-phase Variable Frequency Generator to 115VAC, 3-phase, constant frequency (400 Hz) for the aircraft’s main power buses. This capability enables the use of legacy onboard systems and loads that are qualified to 400Hz constant frequency power.
"Built on Astronics’ proven technology platform, the Frequency Converter Unit offers unparalleled efficiency and reliability, tailored to meet the unique demands of this groundbreaking aviation project. Being part of this collaboration with Boeing and NASA is an honor. We believe our advanced frequency conversion technology will play a critical role in the successful testing and operation of the X-66 demonstrator, helping to advance the goal of more sustainable aviation," said Jon Neal, President of Astronics AES.
Astronics is a long-term supplier of electrical power system products to Boeing in both the commercial and defense markets. The TTBW program marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry’s pursuit of sustainability, highlighting innovative technologies that support the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Astronics Corporation
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical industries with proven innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, military branches, completion centers, and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company’s strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.
For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit Astronics.com.
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Company:
Nancy L. Hedges, CFO
Astronics Corporation
T: 716.805.1599 x 159
Astronics AES Contact:
Tom Howard
tom.howard@astronics.com
+1.425.376.4407
Investors:
Deborah K. Pawlowski
Alliance Advisors IR
T: 716.843.3908
dpawlowski@allianceadvisors.com
Source: Astronics Corporation
FAQ
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