More Than Six Decades of Trusted Thermal Sensing: The Honeywell Ongoing Partnership with Boeing
While advances in aviation technology continue to accelerate, one thing remains constant: the need for precise, dependable temperature control throughout an aircraft. For more than six decades, Honeywell has supplied bimetal thermostats and temperature sensing solutions that help monitor temperatures in critical systems.
In aerospace, reliability isn't measured in years - it's measured in decades.
That's why some of the world's most respected aircraft manufacturers continue to rely on proven technologies and trusted partners to help keep their fleets operating safely and efficiently. Honeywell Sensing Solutions' long-standing relationship with Boeing is a powerful example of that commitment.
While advances in aviation technology continue to accelerate, one thing remains constant: the need for precise, dependable temperature control throughout an aircraft. For more than six decades, Honeywell has supplied bimetal thermostats and temperature sensing solutions that help monitor temperatures in critical systems.
A Legacy That Began Long Before Honeywell
The roots of Honeywell thermal sensing expertise trace back to Elmwood Sensors, a company founded in the early 1960s. Elmwood quickly established itself as a leader in precision thermal controls, supplying thermostats and temperature sensing technologies to demanding aerospace applications – including programs supporting NASA's Apollo missions.
When Honeywell acquired Elmwood Sensors in 2002, it brought decades of proven thermal sensing technology and engineering expertise into the Honeywell portfolio, strengthening an already impressive legacy of aerospace innovation.
Supporting Boeing Through Generations of Aircraft
Records indicate that Honeywell began supplying bimetal thermostat products to Boeing Commercial Airplanes for the Boeing 727, which entered service in 1964.
Since then, Honeywell thermal sensing products have been incorporated into many of
Boeing's most iconic commercial aircraft platforms, including:
- Boeing 727
- Boeing 737
- Boeing 747
- Boeing 757
- Boeing 767
- Boeing 777
- Boeing 737 MAX
- Boeing 777X
Honeywell devices are used throughout the aircraft in temperature control applications, supporting temperature monitoring across a range of demanding aerospace environments.
This continuity of support across multiple aircraft generations demonstrates both the durability of the technology and the Honeywell commitment to long-term customer partnerships.
Continuing to Innovate for New Platforms
A common misconception is that legacy thermal technologies are no longer actively
supported or developed. Our work with Boeing tells a different story.
For the Boeing 737 MAX program, Boeing continues to utilize many of the temperature switches Honeywell has supplied for years. At the same time, Honeywell collaborated with Boeing to develop a new temperature sensor for a bleed air application located on the wing. Together, the teams completed the required qualification and performance testing, resulting in a successful implementation for the new aircraft platform.
The partnership has continued with Boeing's next-generation 777X aircraft. In addition to leveraging many existing Honeywell thermal sensing products, Boeing required additional testing on a bleed air sensor variant to meet updated vibration specifications. Honeywell successfully completed qualification testing to support Boeing’s evaluation process for the 777X platform.
Proven Technology. Enduring Partnerships.
The aerospace industry places extraordinary demands on every component installed on an aircraft. Meeting those demands requires more than innovative products – it requires decades of application expertise, rigorous testing, and a commitment to supporting customers throughout the life cycle of their programs.
From the Apollo era to today's newest commercial aircraft platforms, Honeywell thermal sensing technologies have continued to evolve to meet the rigorous demands of the aerospace industry.
Our ongoing collaboration with Boeing reflects what has always been at the heart of Honeywell Sensing Solutions: delivering trusted thermal sensing solutions that stand the test of time.
As aircraft platforms advance and new challenges emerge, Honeywell remains committed to supporting both legacy and next-generation aerospace applications with the same engineering excellence that has defined our business for more than 60 years.
The information in this article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a warranty, guarantee of performance, or commitment regarding the suitability of any Honeywell product for a particular application. Product performance depends on actual conditions of use. For detailed specifications and application-specific guidance, contact your Honeywell representative. Honeywell is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Boeing Company. Boeing and all aircraft model names referenced herein are trademarks of The Boeing Company.
