CargoLifter Development GmbH selects Hamilton Sundstrand
to supply Electrical Power Generation & Distribution System

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn., Jan. 23, 2002 – CargoLifter Development GmbH of Brand, Germany has selected Hamilton Sundstrand to supply the complete Electrical Power Generation & Distribution System (EPGDS) for the CL 160 airship. This award could generate more than $120 million in revenues for Hamilton Sundstrand over the life of the program.
The CL 160 airship will be the largest lighter-than-air cargo airship in the world, and will be able to transport extremely large and heavy equipment not well suited for conventional shipment. The CL 160 airship is expected to make its first test flights in 2004. (See www.cargolifter.com for further information.)
The overall size of the CL 160 airship presents special challenges to the design of the electrical system. The length of the airship (260 m / 850 ft) is nearly four times that of any commercial aircraft flying today, requiring unique distribution methods to provide the necessary electrical power quality required by the airship equipment.
The Hamilton Sundstrand EPGDS will consist of 150 kVA variable frequency generators and control units, plus primary and secondary power distribution assemblies. In addition to manufacturing the solid state power controllers used in the distribution system, the Hamilton Sundstrand facility in Nordlingen, Germany, is being evaluated for assembly, test and repair of the end product.
“Our team is very excited to be working with CargoLifter on this project and our engineering on-site support is already in place,” said Michael Epling, general manager, International Commercial Enterprise, Hamilton Sundstrand Electric Systems, based in Rockford, Illinois. “Both constant and variable frequency were being considered for this platform. As the industry leader in providing both types of power generation, we felt uniquely capable of providing the right solution for the airship electrical needs.”