FCS Finland

Given the demanding schedules, airlines expend vast resources every day to keep aircraft in the air with minimal time on the ground. However, a significant challenge in maintaining efficiency is the extended cooldown period required for engines, often resulting in repair crews waiting for hours before they can start their work. This is a global challenge affecting airlines and MROs worldwide. The traditional approach demands long cooldown periods before engines are ready for inspection and maintenance. By reducing these wait times, aviation professionals can quickly carry out tasks like borescope inspections, engine washes, or replacements. This greatly reduces downtime and boosts operational efficiency.

Addressing this issue with its patented cooling systems, AFC-22 and AFC-23 Hybrid, is FCS Finland. Committed to minimizing maintenance downtimes, this solution employs a vacuum system to cool various aircraft engines and expedite maintenance using customized adapters. By providing a solution that mitigates the challenges posed by hot engine conditions, FCS Finland empowers its clients, the world’s leading airlines, and MROs to optimize operational workflows and enhance fleet performance.

“Different engines with varying characteristics have contrasting cooling times that are hard to match using legacy methods. Our AFC-22 system can cool any type of engine and get aircraft back in the sky as soon as possible,” says Kimmo Hotanen, Founder and CEO of FCS Finland.

Eliminating Dry Motoring

To grasp the importance of FCS Finland’s cooling systems, it’s vital to explore why they are adopted. The primary reason is the need to cool the engines before any operations, such as borescope inspections, engine washes, or engine changes. For example, borescope cameras can’t endure temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, so quick engine cooling is crucial for timely maintenance.

Beyond addressing specific operational challenges, the benefits of FCS Finland’s cooling system extend to cutting costs and time savings for its clientele. It eliminates the need for dry motoring, a cumbersome alternative to engine cooling. Dry motoring is stressful for the starter, requires licensed technicians, and offers limited cooling effectiveness. For example, with certain engine types like the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G, dry motoring may only accelerate cooling by up to one and a half hours. Given these limitations, the AFC-22 cooling system stands out as a superior and preferred alternative, even for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“By adopting our technology, airlines and maintenance crews can avoid the challenges associated with the stress-inducing process of dry motoring, like reduced wear and tear on equipment, to enhance operational efficiency and prolong the lifespan of critical engine components,” says Hotanen.

A Full-on Finnish Ground Maintenance Equipment

The AFC-22 Cooling System, a 100 percent Finnish creation, efficiently extracts hot air with its vacuum mechanism and enhances ambient airflow through a custom-fit adapter attached to the exhaust pipe. This patented solution reduces downtime by up to 8 hours, providing a significant advantage in precision-critical industries. The AFC-22e, a battery-powered version, offers 16 hours of operation with quick recharging capabilities. It is designed to reduce emissions and minimize environmental impact while maintaining high performance.

Redefining infrastructure boundaries, AFC-23 jet engine cooling system operates autonomously with a built-in generator fueled by diesel or external power. Engineered based on extensive customer feedback, it boasts a robust undercarriage, enhanced tow capabilities, and a sleek profile, ensuring seamless jet engine cooling on the apron or in the hangar.

FCS Finland designs customized vacuum adapters that accompany its ground-breaking systems, further exemplifying its flexibility. The company uses a robust technology that allows prompt virtual modifications, bypassing the hassle of manual measurements. This empowers FCS Finland to develop new adapters and ensure universal applicability. Currently, a diverse range of ready-made adapters is available for various jet engine models.

Reputation Built on Client Testimonials

The adoption of FCS Finland’s solutions yields significant financial benefits, as evidenced by one client, an airline with 22 aircraft, achieving annual cost savings of nearly half a million euros. For larger airlines, the savings are exponential. Testimonials from industry leaders, including esteemed partners like Finnair and Delta Airlines, attest to this efficacy, along with endorsements from renowned players in the aviation sector, establishing its reputation for excellence and reliability. Since 2019, Finnair has been using the AFC-22 cooling tool developed by FCS Finland. Engineered specifically to meet Finnair’s unique requirements, the AFC-22 has transformed the airline’s approach to maintenance scheduling and efficiency.

FCS Finland’s jet engine cooling solutions have also received high praise from other clients.

“High engine temperatures post-shutdown delayed our maintenance and risked equipment damage. Traditional dry motoring was insufficient and overtaxed the engine starter system. The AFC-22 cooling unit effectively lowers LEAP-1A engine temperatures to acceptable levels within an hour, significantly improving our maintenance efficiency. SAS Engineering is impressed—the AFC-22 cooling unit works exceptionally well,” said Einar Jenssen, Power Plant Engineer at SAS (Scandinavian Airlines).

AFC systems showcased great promise at an Abu Dhabi demo, where FCS Finland worked with Etihad to present unmatched cooling prowess. Unfazed by the high temperature and humidity, FCS Finland efficiently cooled down a GEnx engine in an hour and four minutes, while contemporary products achieved the same cooling in six hours and ten minutes. This five-hour difference underscores how game-changing AFC-22 can be for the larger aviation industry, from small engine types like Pratt and Whitney PW1900 to larger counterparts like the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB. In another instance, FCS Finland performed a demo for Cathay Pacific at Hong Kong, where it effectively cooled down a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB from an outside temperature of 42 degrees Celsius when in the sun.

Looking ahead, FCS Finland remains dedicated to driving innovation and expanding its offerings to meet evolving industry needs. The company plans to collaborate with leading OEMs and introduce new cooling projects, underscoring its commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Recently, FCS Finland’s AFC-22 and AFC-23 Hybrid jet engine cooling solutions were integrated into Pratt & Whitney’s PW1900 and PW1500 engine manuals. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both FCS Finland and Pratt & Whitney in prioritizing innovation.

Additionally, FCS Finland is currently in its first funding round, highlighting its commitment to rapid growth and continued industry innovation.

“At FCS Finland, our top priority is delivering quality. As CTO and Founder, I’m leading efforts to develop advanced jet engine cooling methods for aircraft. We’re growing and evolving to stay ahead in the industry,” says Pauli Hotanen, CTO and Founder

By reducing downtime by a large fraction, FCS Finland continues to advance aircraft maintenance on a global scale by replacing conventional systems with tailor-made cooling systems that can adapt to diverse engine specifications. Equipped with the AFC product line, aviation companies and maintenance crews can usher in a future characterized by enhanced repair efficiency and elevated safety standards.