Thierry Dubois is a freelance writer specializing in helicopters, business aviation and aerospace technology. He earned a degree in fluid dynamics from an engineering school in Toulouse, France in the mid-1990s. At an unexpected crossroads, he found his first job in journalism. In 1997, he started working for French aerospace weekly Air &amp; Cosmos in Paris. This lasted until 2000, when he moved south to Lyons. He then became a freelancer, working for various aerospace publications and has been part of the AIN team since late 2000. In addition to writing about business aviation, Thierry shares responsibility for the rotorcraft section. He also is a regular on-site writer for AIN’s daily editions at international airshows such as the Paris, Farnborough, Dubai and Singapore shows, as well as at EBACE in Geneva.
In 2007, he won the Honeywell award for “Best systems or technology submission” at the Aerospace journalist of the year awards. In 2013, he won an Aerospace Media Award for the "Best Safety, Training &amp; Simulation Submission."
In other activities, Thierry moderates international conferences on aviation technology topics. Thierry is married and has three children, who seem to begin enjoying the mountains–as their parents do.

Writer

Thierry Dubois

The <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/airshow-convention-news/paris-air-show-2011/single-publication-story/browse/0/article/paris-2011-north-sea-weather-baptizes-le-bourget-debut-of-agustawestlands-aw189-twin-engine-heli/?no_cache=1&amp;tx_ttnews%5Bmode%5D=1">AgustaWestland AW189</a> medium twin helicopter will be the first civil application for Microturbo’s e-APU, an auxiliary power unit that delivers essentially electric power. The e-APU60, which will deliver 60 kilowatts for the helicopter’s systems, offers benefits in safety, fuel burn and overall aircraft design, according to Microturbo.
The Toulouse-based equipment manufacturer would give details only for the military, shorter version of the AW189, the AW149, but AIN understands they also apply to the AW189. The e-APU will provide power for de-icing and engine start. It can operate far above any helicopter’s ceiling, at up to 51,000 feet.
In case of one engine failure, the e-APU can feed the aircraft’s systems, thus alleviating some of the strain on the surviving engine, improving safety, said Jean-Baptiste Jarin, sales and customer director. In addition, it eliminates the need for manufacturers to oversize the engines, reducing weight and fuel consumption.
On the Anglo-Italian rotorcraft, it will also electrically power the vapor cycle system for cabin air cooling. To heat the cockpit and cabin on the ground, a modest air bleed has been added, with fans to mix the compressor’s air with ambient air. “This small bleed does not affect the e-APU’s performance,” Jarin said.
Microturbo claims the e-APU will have significantly lower maintenance costs compared with its conventional competitor. The new APU should also be more environmentally friendly, with lower emissions and quieter operation–below 70 dB.
The e-APU has already been ground tested extensively. Flight testing on the AW189 is to begin this year. In parallel, APU certification tests are going on and will be completed late next year. The AW189 is scheduled to enter service in early 2014.
The e-APU’s turbomachinery consists of a single-stage centrifugal compressor and a two-stage axial turbine. On a business jet, it can restart the engine at altitudes up to 41,000 feet, much higher than today’s common limit of 30,000 to 35,000 feet, Jarin said.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Electric APU set to enter service on AW189

The <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/airshow-convention-news/paris-air-show-2011/single-publication-story/browse/0/article/paris-2011-north-sea-weather-ba

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

David Donald

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Company adds hydrogen power knowledge to the Netherlands-based initiative

GKN Joins ICEFlight Hydrogen Power Initiative

Hanneke Weitering

Engine maker reflects on its successful history and looks to the future of aircraft propulsion tech

Pratt & Whitney Celebrates 100 Years of Engine Innovation

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

The GEK1500 is intended “for the lower end of the CCA market.”

GE, Kratos Introduce Small Engine for Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Charles Alcock

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Manufacturer says maintenance intervals could more than double

Rolls-Royce Launches Trent 1000 Durability Enhancements

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Partnership will use AmpCool cooling fluid with DovePack battery systems for electric aircraft

Immersion Cooling Could Deliver Lighter, Safer Batteries

Charlotte Bailey

New Admire facility recently opened at the engine and components group’s Bilbao headquarters

ITP Backs R&D Hub To Boost Role as Propulsion Tier One

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

New engineering center of excellence has opened in Wolverhampton, UK

Collins Invests in More Advanced Electric Thrust Reversers

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

More In Engines