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3882440-1 – Textron Aviation APU Fuel Filter Element Assembly
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Textron Aviation 3882440-1 is a flight-critical, disposable filter element assembly designed for the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) fuel system. Its primary function is to meticulously remove particulate contaminants, such as dirt, rust, and microbial growth, from the fuel before it reaches the APU's sensitive fuel control unit and fuel nozzles. This component is essential for maintaining the operational integrity and longevity of the APU, preventing performance degradation, fuel flow obstruction, and potential catastrophic failure. The design focuses on high-efficiency filtration within a compact, lightweight form factor, crucial for aircraft systems where space and weight are at a premium.
This filter assembly plays a vital role in protecting the APU, which provides essential power for ground operations, including air conditioning, cabin lighting, and engine starting. The reliability of the APU is directly dependent on a clean and consistent fuel supply, making the 3882440-1 an indispensable component for ensuring aircraft dispatch readiness and overall system health.
Key Features
High-Efficiency Particulate Filtration
Engineered for APU Fuel Systems
Lightweight, Compact Design
Single-Use, Expendable Component
OEM Certified for Specific Textron Aircraft
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 3882440-1
Component Type: Fuel Filter Element Assembly
OEM Manufacturer: Honeywell International Inc. (cataloged by Textron Aviation)
Material: Proprietary pleated synthetic or cellulose filter media within a metallic or composite housing. Specific materials must be confirmed via OEM documentation.
Dimensions (Approximate): 3.45" (L) x 1.55" (W) x 1.65" (H)
Fits APU Part Number: 9912484-1, 3800722-1
Ratings: Designed for low-pressure, clean-side filtration within the APU fuel manifold. Specific micron rating and flow rate are proprietary to the OEM design.
Certification: FAA-PMA or OEM/TCCA/EASA certified.
Aircraft Compatibility
Cessna Citation Series: Specifically used on various models, including those with Honeywell APUs.
Bombardier: Certain Challenger and Learjet models.
Gulfstream: Some G-series aircraft.
Note: Always consult the aircraft's Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for final part number verification and applicability to a specific airframe and serial number.
Applications
APU Fuel System: Installed in the fuel line immediately upstream of the APU's fuel control unit to protect its precision components from foreign object debris (FOD).
Why Choose 3882440-1?
Choosing a certified, OEM-specification filter element like the 3882440-1 is non-negotiable for aviation safety and reliability. Its design and filtration efficiency are specifically calibrated to meet the demanding requirements of the APU fuel system. Using an uncertified or substitute part can lead to insufficient filtration, allowing microscopic particulates to bypass the element and damage the APU's fuel-metering components. This can result in costly repairs, unscheduled maintenance, and, most critically, an in-flight APU shutdown, compromising the aircraft's electrical and pneumatic backup systems.
The operational principle of a fuel filter like the 3882440-1 relies on surface filtration and a depth filtration mechanism. The primary pleated media, often a micro-fiberglass or synthetic polymer, presents a tortuous path for the fuel, trapping solid particulates on its surface. Simultaneously, the multi-layered structure of the media provides depth filtration, where smaller particles are captured within the body of the media itself. This dual-mechanism approach ensures a high-capacity dirt-holding capability and a high-efficiency removal of contaminants, preventing both fuel flow restriction and the passage of harmful debris. The pleating of the filter media significantly increases the effective surface area, a critical design feature that allows the element to handle a high volume of fuel flow while minimizing pressure drop and extending its service life before becoming clogged. This balance between filtration efficiency and minimal flow restriction is a fundamental engineering requirement for all aircraft fuel system components.
Note: This is a flight-critical, life-limited, and single-use component. It is not designed to be cleaned or reused. Installation and replacement must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in strict accordance with the aircraft's maintenance manual and the OEM's specified procedures.
