Kits recently developed by Duncan Aviation enable the installation of the Aviation Clean Air (ACA) ionisation system on Bombardier Global aircraft. As well as the ionisers, the package includes the STC and PMA parts kits – everything needed for the installation.
“Additionally, the Duncan Aviation facility in Lincoln, Nebraska, will perform the necessary modification of the air ducts for the installation,” said Pat Mapes, manager of the avionics install line. “The installation of the ACA packages can be done at any of Duncan Aviation’s three main facilities (Battle Creek, Michigan; Provo, Utah; or Lincoln) or many of the Duncan Aviation satellite shops located throughout the USA. When we say the kit includes everything, we mean every screw, nut, bolt and switch necessary for the installation.”
The Duncan Aviation Engineering & Certification Services team has also developed an STC and installation package to cover the installation of the ACA ionisation system on Challenger 300 and Challenger 350 aircraft. Kits are available for those aircraft as well.
Additional certifications for other airframes are also in work and will be shared publicly as they are completed over the next few months.
“There’s been great interest in the industry for the ACA system,” said Mapes. “Our sales teams are fielding calls from customers who are interested in other makes and models of aircraft, too. This system is designed to neutralise harmful pathogens like those that cause COVID-19, so if customers want peace of mind as they fly, this is the system for them.”
The ACA ionisers are installed in an aircraft’s existing environmental control system, and operate in the ductwork. The system is designed to make use of ionised hydrogen molecules to neutralise pathogens and remove allergens and unpleasant odours, including those from pets, cigarette and cigar smoke, engine exhaust, cooking, lavatories and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
In May 2020, testing conducted by independent lab Innovative BioAnalysis found that within 30 minutes, the ACA ioniser inactivated 99.4% of the virus particles that cause COVID-19. The makers note the system has been tested and proven to kill the coronavirus that caused SARS as well. It is designed to deactivate other viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens too, such as those that cause the common cold, flu (swine, avian, etc.), MRSA, C. diff, E. coli, pneumonia, polio and mould.
