The installation packages were developed for the Global aircraft, and the Duncan Aviation Engineering & Certification Services team has also developed an STC and installation package to cover the installation of the ACA Ionization System in the 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 neutralize harmful pathogens like those that cause COVID-19, so if customers want peace of mind as they fly, this is the system for them.”
Designed to be installed in an aircraft’s existing environmental control system, the ACA ionizers operate in the aircraft’s ductwork. The ionized hydrogen molecules neutralize pathogens and remove allergens and unpleasant odors, including those from pets, cigarette and cigar smoke, engine exhaust, cooking, lavatories, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
In May 2020, testing conducted by independent lab Innovative BioAnalysis found the ACA ionizer effective at rendering harmless the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The lab test showed that 99.4% of the virus particles were inactivated within 30 minutes. The system has been tested and proven to kill the coronavirus that caused SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), as well.