An innovative thrust reverser concept developed by Nexcelle for new Integrated Propulsion Systems (IPS) is being shown for the first time at a major international aerospace event during this week's Paris Air Show - exhibited by Safran (Aircelle), which is one of its two parent companies.

This thrust reverser configuration was validated using the full-scale PANACHE (Pylon And Nacelle Advanced Configuration for High Efficiency) demonstrator - which received the 2013 Safran corporate Innovation Grand Prize, and is featured on Safran's Paris Air Show display at Le Bourget Airport (Hall 2A, Stand 232).

"It is highly appropriate that PANACHE is making its public debut at the world's no. 1 aviation event," said Nexcelle President Huntley Myrie. "This is a further recognition of all the teams from Nexcelle's parent companies - Safran (Aircelle) and GE Aviation - that were involved in validating this advanced thrust reverser configuration and bringing it to successful testing."

Key elements of Nexcelle's advanced thrust reverser configuration include a one-piece composite O-Duct, which replaces the two-piece "D" doors on a traditional thrust reverser.

It benefits from reduced weight, while also eliminating the D-doors' bifurcation in the flow-path - increasing the thrust reverser's efficiency. The new kinematics, in which the entire O-Duct moves aftward to the reverse thrust position, thereby eliminates the need for drag links in the secondary flow-path.

Added to these advantages is the application of an electrical thrust reverser actuation system (ETRAS), with benefits that include enhanced reliability, reduced weight, and improved maintainability.

PANACHE was selected for Safran's Innovation Grand Prize from 104 projects that had been evaluated from within the corporation's own business units and as well as from suppliers.

Nexcelle was created in 2008, and has been selected to supply the nacelle systems for two major engine programs: the GE PassportTM engine for Bombardier's Global 7000 and Global 8000 business aircraft; and CFM International's LEAP-1C integrated propulsion system on the COMAC C919 airliner. The new thrust reverser configuration validated with Nexcelle's PANACHE demonstrator will have its first application on the C919.