After more than a decade in service, Boeing’s Dreamliner fleet is ready for technological upgrades. Diehl Aerospace has been selected to design and manufacture the next‑generation Emergency Lighting Power System, replacing the legacy architecture introduced in the early 2000s. The new system, consisting of the Emergency Lighting Control Unit (ELCU) and the Emergency Lighting Battery Unit (ELBU), has been in service since 2025. Each newly delivered 787 Dreamliner is now equipped with this advanced technology. At the heart of the system is a state‑of‑the‑art Lithium‑Ion battery pack. The rechargeable cells ensure high efficiency and reliability, while the tool‑free one‑hand battery replacement significantly simplifies maintenance. The lightweight design further reduces aircraft weight and contributes to operational efficiency. The system is essentially maintenance‑free, requiring only a functional test every 12 months. Integrated status LEDs support straightforward, on‑site condition checks and reduce maintenance effort even further. Developed in close cooperation with Boeing, the system is not only standard on new aircraft but is also available for fleet upgrades through Boeing Global Services.
Benefits
• High reliability for consistent and dependable performance
• Enhanced safety through robust system architecture
• Optimized charge & discharge efficiency for maximum energy effectiveness
• Lightweight design supporting overall aircraft efficiency
• Maintenance‑free operation, requiring only a 12‑month functional test
• Future‑proof Lithium‑Ion technology, offering state‑of‑the‑art innovation and long-term relevance