Collins unveils wireless galley tool for airplanes

Collins Aerospace has introduced tool to quickly diagnose problems with the appliances in airplane galleys, where food and beverages are prepared, or with water or power supplies.

“This data provides the information needed to quickly identify unit faults, decreasing the time spent troubleshooting and reducing occurrences of misdiagnosing unit malfunctions,” according to a Collins news release.

In the future, the data gathered ultimately could predict future failures before they happen, allowing airlines to better plan and fix problems before they occur.

The technology will allow airlines to make “informed decisions … without excessive investment or aircraft modification time," said Alison Davidson, vice president and general manager of Cabin Products for Collins Aerospace.

The wireless tool integrates easily with existing in-flight Wi-Fi networks, requiring a minimal amount of data to transmit information to maintenance staffs and crew members, without overwhelming network services.

The wirelessly connected galley technology was displayed this week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

Raytheon Technologies is the parent company of Collins Aerospace, the largest private employer in Cedar Rapids.