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united airbus brake fans?

Old 10-20-2014, 11:47 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by ManFlex View Post
Don't know about other carriers, but we used to use 'Home Depot' caliber fans on the ramp for cooling. Last year, the FAA and Airbus put an end to that. New fans had to be custom built to comply. So yeah, the weight savings is real but I don't imagine they cost as little as the 'Home Depot' variety.
Comply with what? Were these fans actually mounted to the plane, or were they sitting on the ramp blowing air on the brakes? If the later, I would like to see someone stand up to the FAA and Airbus and tell them to go pound sand.
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Old 10-20-2014, 12:32 PM
  #12  
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Think the new Dl 321s will have the fans
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Old 10-20-2014, 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by SVA402 View Post
I understand that there is a lot of weight on 4 wheel/tire assemblies which naturally heats up the brakes, but how is it any different from a 737? Particularly one of the bigger 737s like a -900ER? I'm just curious why Boeing doesn't have this option.
If I remember right (it's been awhile) it has to do with the flashpoint of hydraulic fluid and the way the lines are routed through the wheel well on the Airbus... not the ability to stop when they are hot
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Old 10-20-2014, 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by gettinbumped View Post
If I remember right (it's been awhile) it has to do with the flashpoint of hydraulic fluid and the way the lines are routed through the wheel well on the Airbus... not the ability to stop when they are hot
You are correct. ECAM at 300... autoignition point of some hyd fluid is around 398 iirc.
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Old 10-20-2014, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by gettinbumped View Post
If I remember right (it's been awhile) it has to do with the flashpoint of hydraulic fluid and the way the lines are routed through the wheel well on the Airbus... not the ability to stop when they are hot
One of the many reasons 737's has no gear doors..
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Old 10-20-2014, 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by LifeNtheFstLne View Post
You are correct. ECAM at 300... autoignition point of some hyd fluid is around 398 iirc.
Was told years ago by a UA test/engineering pilot that it was a difference in design philosophies. Boeing has wheel well fire detection, Airbus doesn't but precisely monitors brake temps. FWIW
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Old 10-20-2014, 01:52 PM
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I used to put a ground a/c unit/hose in front of the brakes for about 10 minutes per side. That would usually do the trick. (I was a Crew Cheif on the line)
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Old 10-20-2014, 02:10 PM
  #18  
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All of our A319/320/321s have brake fans. However our guidance is no to turn them on unless the temps approach 500*C. They say it's for brake life. Carbon brakes like to be hot.
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Old 10-20-2014, 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Greg Bockelman View Post
Comply with what? Were these fans actually mounted to the plane, or were they sitting on the ramp blowing air on the brakes? If the later, I would like to see someone stand up to the FAA and Airbus and tell them to go pound sand.
I don't recall the specifics. It required the airline to source fans built to Airbus specs. Off the shelf type fans apparently moved the air around the brakes in a way contrary to Airbus guidance. Sounds unreal, but it's true.
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Old 10-20-2014, 07:04 PM
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Originally Posted by EMBFlyer View Post
All of our A319/320/321s have brake fans. However our guidance is no to turn them on unless the temps approach 500*C. They say it's for brake life. Carbon brakes like to be hot.
It's true. "Generally speaking, to increase carbon brake life, brakes should either be operated cold or hot but not at
intermediate warm temperatures."

http://chihchin.sg1002.myweb.hinet.n...n%20brakes.pdf
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