Epcor, an AFI KLM E&M subsidiary based in Schiphol, The Netherlands, has invested in a state-of-the-art test cell for use with Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin air compressors (CAC). Work on the bespoke test cell design began in 2016 and has required what Epcor describes as “a very large investment” with Bauer, the company which developed and built the cell.
The installation, which complies with European Union aviation regulations including EASA requirements, has been given the green light by the authorities, enabling Epcor to certify CACs after testing in the cell. According to Epcor, this cell means that its customers can cut out the lengthy logistics processes that were necessary to obtain CAC certification after final testing at UTAS, the OEM for the CAC units.
Epcor managing director Martijn de Vries said, “Because the CAC is a component that has yet to reach full maturity, Epcor’s all-round capability on this product is a real bonus in terms of responsiveness and availability and hence of operational availability, for the fleets operated by our customers. This investment is part of Epcor’s business development strategy. Our ambition is to integrate even more components into our support for new-generation 787, 737MAX and A350 fleets, and that includes obtaining approvals from the Chinese authorities.”
