- DASH Aero
- Steam cleaning tooling
Tooling Developed with RH Aero
APU steam cleaning tooling for the A320 family
In 2026 DASH Aero and RH Aero brought a dedicated steam cleaning unit for the APU inlet, plenum and compartment to the line, and trialled it on an Austrian Airlines A320 in Vienna.
RH Aero builds and supports the steam cleaning unit. DASH Aero contributed the cleaning procedure and its experience from cleaning APUs in service. RH Aero reports that the unit is validated for the A320 family and listed in the Airbus Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
RH Aero
Developed and industrialized the equipment. Handles distribution, lifecycle service and support.
DASH Aero
The APU cleaning procedure, and what years of doing this work on aircraft in service have taught us.
Austrian Airlines
The aircraft, the technical evaluation and the on-wing feedback.
The results were highly convincing: The system demonstrated superior effectiveness in removing contamination, while also offering notable advantages in handling and processing time compared to current cleaning methods. Integrating the new procedure / tooling would complement existing measures aimed at improving cabin air quality and contribute to enhancing the overall technical performance and reliability of our Airbus fleet.
The trial
| When | Mid-April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Where | Vienna, Austria |
| Aircraft | Austrian Airlines Airbus A320 |
| Scope | APU air inlet, inlet plenum and compartment |
| Outcome | Austrian Airlines is assessing next steps toward implementation |
The unit
As published by RH Aero.
RH Aero Systems, headquartered in Mason, Ohio, was formed in 2024 when Rhinestahl acquired HYDRO Systems of Biberach, Germany.
| Aircraft | Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321 |
|---|---|
| Areas | APU air inlet, inlet plenum and APU compartment |
| Wash mode | Steam with cleaning agent, mixed at 1 to 10 |
| Rinse mode | Steam only |
| Steam | Up to 100 °C at up to 1 bar |
| Wastewater | Captured by the unit |
| Removes | Oil residue, dust and anti-icing deposits |
Source: RH Aero Systems, APU cleaning system product page and news release of July 3, 2026. rhaero.com
Service or tooling
Start with us either way.
Some operators want the work done for them. Others want to understand the procedure and the equipment. Tell us which you are, and about your fleet, and we will point you to the right answer, including the right people at RH Aero where that makes sense.
Talk to the people who designed the process.
Tell us your fleet, your bases and what prompted the question. The first conversation is with someone who has done this work on the ramp, not with a sales team.
Start the conversation