Unison : Pioneering Innovation in Aerospace and Beyond

Jack Salter
Jack Salter - Head of Editorial
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At A Glance
  • Unison’s product portfolio includes advanced ignition and fluid delivery systems, thermal management solutions, power generation, sensors and switches, harnesses, and air turbine starters.
  • “Flying connects us to the people we love, transports us to the places we dream about, protects and defends us, and brings the world closer together,” says Kranthi Tata, President and CEO, Unison.

With over 40 years of experience in the ever-evolving aerospace industry, Unison stands out as a leader of innovation and reliability.

PIONEERING INNOVATION IN AEROSPACE AND BEYOND

Every two seconds, an aircraft equipped with Unison technologies takes off somewhere in the world, underscoring the company’s pivotal role in global aviation. 

Unison, a GE Aerospace company, has thus established itself at the forefront of providing differentiated controls and engine performance monitoring products in the aviation, defense, and space segments. 

Having developed products and services for three generations of aerospace propulsion systems, Unison is committed to ensuring reliable operation in high-temperature and high-vibration engine environments.  

With a robust workforce across several locations worldwide, the company operates seven manufacturing plants and four Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) overhaul/repair stations, ensuring its advanced systems and components maintain the highest standards of quality and performance.  

This extensive network enables Unison to deliver unparalleled support and solutions to its customers, reinforcing its reputation for excellence in the aerospace industry. 

“Our customers look to us to solve the toughest problems in advancing the future of sustainable aviation and affordable space,” opens Kranthi Tata, President and CEO of Unison.  

“This puts an immense responsibility on us to prioritize safety, quality, and performance for our customers, delivering precise and scalable innovations to tackle their most formidable challenges.” 

Unison’s product portfolio includes advanced ignition and fluid delivery systems, thermal management solutions, power generation, sensors and switches, harnesses, and air turbine starters, each engineered to provide the highest level of performance under the most challenging conditions. 

Innovation and excellence are exemplified by Unison through its advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities. By investing heavily in expanding the quality, performance, and reliability of its current products while developing next-generation technologies, the company is committed to enabling the future of flight. 

INVENTING THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT

With a mission deeply rooted in ensuring the well-being of every individual, Unison’s portfolio of products is a testament to its values of excellence, reliability, and humanity.  

From state-of-the-art ignition systems to innovative components, every product Unison develops is infused with a sense of purpose – to elevate the human experience and ensure a safe return home.  

“Flying connects us to the people we love, transports us to the places we dream about, protects and defends us, and brings the world closer together. Our mission is to lift us all to even greater heights,” states Tata, who embodies the company’s ethos of innovation and excellence. 

Tata’s journey to the helm of Unison is as inspiring as it is impressive. Growing up in India, he was the son of a hardworking farmer and a dedicated teacher, both responsible for igniting his passion to make a difference in the world.  

With dreams of becoming a naval fighter pilot, Tata charted a path that combined his passion for aviation with his aptitude for technology. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bharathidasan University and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University. 

With nearly 25 years of experience in industrial business, Tata has led teams and managed operations across multiple countries, bringing a wealth of knowledge to his role at Unison.  

His leadership is characterized by a deep respect for people, building a culture of continuous improvement, and an unwavering commitment to solving tough customer problems with technological advancements and lean operations. He is likewise very committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and gets his inspiration from his wife and two daughters. 

With Tata at the forefront, Unison is not only shaping the future of aerospace with a safety first approach, but also exemplifying the values of leadership, resilience, and innovation that define the modern aviation landscape.

“Flying connects us to the people we love, transports us to the places we dream about, protects and defends us, and brings the world closer together. Our mission is to lift us all to even greater heights”

Kranthi Tata, President and CEO, Unison

PRIDE IN ITS PEOPLE

At the heart of Unison’s success in the aerospace industry is its steadfast pride in its people. The company recognizes that its greatest asset is not its cutting-edge technology or advanced manufacturing processes, but the dedicated individuals who bring their expertise, creativity, and passion to work every day.  

Unison’s commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for its employees is a cornerstone of its business strategy, driving innovation and ensuring sustained excellence. 

The diverse tapestry of Unison’s skilled professionals is not only embraced but celebrated, as it brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas to the table.   

Unison understands that innovation thrives in an environment where different viewpoints are encouraged and valued. This inclusive culture is instrumental in solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace manufacturing. 

The company therefore invests heavily in the continuous development of its employees to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, which is crucial in an industry as dynamic and demanding as aerospace. 

Whether navigating the complexities of global supply chains or pioneering new technologies, it is the people of Unison who drive the company forward, embodying the core values of integrity, innovation, and excellence. 

ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING AND CERTIFICATION

Environmental testing is crucial for validating the functionality, durability, and reliability of Unison’s component designs under the harsh conditions they are expected to endure.  

Each engineering site is equipped with in-house test facilities for environmental qualification and product certification, operated by experienced test personnel.  

These facilities conduct a wide array of tests, including: 

  • Vibration testing: To simulate the stresses encountered during operation. 
  • Mechanical shock testing: To assess component resilience against sudden impacts. 
  • Thermal testing: To ensure performance across a range of temperatures. 
  • Electrical testing: To verify electrical integrity and functionality. 
  • Waterproof testing: To confirm resistance to moisture and water ingress. 
  • Humidity testing: To evaluate performance under varying humidity levels. 
  • Lightning and EMI/EMC testing: To ensure electromagnetic compatibility and resistance to electromagnetic interference. 

Additionally, Unison utilizes endurance test cells and setups to confirm component operability over extended durations and high cycles.  

These tests simulate typical and extreme operating conditions, providing assurance of long-term reliability and performance. 

The company’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions is matched by its support for aftermarket mechanical and electrical repairs.  

“No one knows Unison better than Unison. Utilizing our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment and expertise, we ensure every repair meets the highest standards and performs at its best,” prides Engineering and Technology Leader, Josh Friedman. 

A PARADIGM OF PRECISION AND INNOVATION

Over the years, Unison has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver, cementing its reputation as a leader in aerospace manufacturing.  

At the core of Unison’s capabilities lies its commitment to cutting-edge technology and continuous improvement. The company’s manufacturing processes are infused with advanced automation, robotics, and data analytics, enabling unparalleled precision and efficiency.  

This technological backbone ensures that every component produced meets the stringent quality standards necessary for aerospace applications, where even the smallest imperfection can have significant consequences. 

Unison’s facilities are equipped with advanced machinery that support a wide range of manufacturing techniques, from traditional machining to additive manufacturing. This versatility allows Unison to produce complex and high-performance components that are essential for modern aerospace systems.  

Moreover, Unison’s workforce is a blend of seasoned professionals and forward-thinking engineers who bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the table. The company places a strong emphasis on continuous  learning and development, ensuring that its team is always at the forefront of technological advancements.  

Unison’s relentless pursuit of excellence means it remains a key player in the aerospace industry, capable of meeting the evolving needs of its customers and the challenges of the future. 

Today, the mission of Unison is clear – to deliver innovative, reliable solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance. 

The aerospace industry is proving to be more demanding than ever, requiring the highest level of quality and a future focused on innovation.  

“In today’s rapidly evolving aerospace industry, our unwavering commitment to excellence is reflected in our comprehensive product portfolio, which is designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern aerospace and industrial applications,” affirms Alok Patel, Product Management Leader at Unison. 

With modern aircraft and engines becoming increasingly technologically advanced and sophisticated, it necessitates the development of more complex systems and components. 

“Now is a pivotal time in the aerospace industry. With travel continuing an upward trajectory, and the rapid growth of commercial space launches, this further emphasizes the opportunity for emerging sustainable products and technologies,” echoes Tata. 

To harness the opportunities ahead, Unison has outlined several key business priorities. Central to its strategy is the development and empowerment of its people through GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating system, FLIGHT DECK.  

The FLIGHT DECK system is designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and excellence, ensuring that Unison’s workforce is well-equipped to meet evolving industry demands.  

“FLIGHT DECK is the ‘how’ – how we bridge strategy to results, and how we implement over time to deliver sustainable results. That is what matters most for our customers and shareholders,” Tata tells us. 

With a mission deeply rooted in ensuring the well-being of every individual, Unison’s portfolio of products is a testament to its values of excellence, reliability, and humanity.  

From state-of-the-art ignition systems to innovative components, every product Unison develops is infused with a sense of purpose – to elevate the human experience and ensure a safe return home. 

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SUSTAINABLE AVIATION

By heavily investing in the expansion and enhancement of its product capabilities, Unison is not only addressing the current demands of the aerospace industry but also paving the way for future advancements.  

The company’s dedication to rigorous engineering practices and comprehensive testing reiterates its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that will define the future of flight. 

Through its advanced systems, global reach, and visionary leadership, Unison is charting a course for a future where aviation is safer, more efficient, and more reliable than ever before.  

As the company continues to soar to new heights, its impact on the aerospace industry today, tomorrow, and to come remains undeniable. 

“Our ambition is to be the leading provider of differentiated controls and engine performance monitoring solutions in aerospace, defense, and space segments, meeting the needs of our customers and supporting the future of sustainable aviation,” concludes Tata.

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Jack Salter is an in-house writer for Manufacturing Outlook Magazine, where he is responsible for interviewing corporate executives and crafting original features for the magazine, corporate brochures, and the digital platform.