Collins Aerospace Cabin Solutions Maintain Passenger Experience While Reducing Aircraft Weight

April 1, 2019

William Kucinski

The application of light emitting diode (LED) technology in automotive and aerospace cabins has led to widespread energy and cost savings. Collins Aerospace is building on those efficiencies with the development of its “μLED Reading Light” product line – the first application of flat pane “microLED” technology in an aircraft cabin.

According to Collins Aerospace, the μLED Reading Light solution, with a lifespan 40,000 hours longer than that of a standard reading light, is equivalent to three or more standard reading lights. The microLED light has full-color and dimmable functionality can double as a dome light for illuminating the cabin during periods of ingress, in-flight service, and egress. The reduction in multiple lighting elements has the potential to drives down total illumination system weight by at least 66 percent and significantly reduce cost.

Collins Aerospace is also debuting a new passenger “self-service” solution called M-Flex Duet. M-Flex Duet is designed to give airline passengers a flexible, on-demand approach to in-cabin service without impacting seat count.

William Kucinski is content editor at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group in Warrendale, Pa. Previously, he worked as a writer at the NASA Safety Center in Cleveland, Ohio and was responsible for writing the agency’s System Failure Case Studies. His interests include literally anything that has to do with space, past and present military aircraft, and propulsion technology.

Contact him regarding any article or collaboration ideas by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..