30300-1286 - Textron Aviation OEM Starter Generator Brush

30300-1286 – Textron Aviation OEM Starter-Generator Brush (Safran 23081-016)

Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.

Overview

The 30300-1286 is the genuine Textron Aviation Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) brush for the Safran Power Systems (formerly TRW/Lucas) model 23081-016 starter-generator. This is a flight-critical component and a primary wear item within the starter-generators used on the ubiquitous Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine, which powers a vast range of Textron aircraft. The brush serves a demanding dual function: first, to conduct extremely high amperage to the armature for engine starting, and second, to collect the generated DC electrical power from the armature once the engine is running.

This is not a simple carbon block; it is a highly engineered metal-graphite composite, specifically formulated to withstand the massive electrical loads of turbine starting while providing the low-friction and conductivity characteristics needed for efficient power generation. As the OEM-certified part, the 30300-1286 guarantees the correct material composition and dimensions required for reliable performance and to prevent costly damage to the starter-generator's commutator.

Key Features

• Genuine Textron Aviation OEM Part: Guarantees the part is the factory-specified and fully certified component, ensuring airworthiness and correct performance.

• High-Conductivity Metal-Graphite: Fabricated from a specialized composite of carbon, graphite, and copper powder, designed to handle the extreme current densities of engine starting (often >1000A).

• For Safran 23081-016 Starter-Generators: Engineered specifically as the correct replacement brush for this widely used starter-generator model.

• Integral Copper Shunt Wire: Features a securely embedded braided copper "pigtail" to provide a low-resistance path for current, preventing damage to the brush springs.

• Sacrificial Wear Component: Designed as a consumable part that wears predictably over time, protecting the far more expensive commutator from wear and damage.

• Optimized for Dual-Role Function: The material compound is formulated to provide both the high-current capacity for starter mode and the low-friction, high-efficiency characteristics for generator mode.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 30300-1286

• Component Type: Starter-Generator Brush

• OEM Authority: Textron Aviation

• For Use In: Safran Power Systems (TRW/Lucas) Starter-Generator P/N 23081-016 and other specified models.

• Engine Application: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A Series

• Material: Metal-Graphite Composite

• Governing Specification: Textron Aviation / Safran Power Systems Engineering Drawings.

Aircraft Compatibility

This brush is the specified component for the starter-generators installed on a wide range of Textron Aviation's most successful turboprop aircraft.

• Primary Textron Aviation Platforms:

  • Beechcraft King Air (All 90, 100, 200, and 300 Series)

  • Cessna Caravan (208, 208B)

• Other Platforms: Also applicable to other PT6A-powered aircraft that utilize the Safran 23081-016 starter-generator.

Note: Verification of applicability is the absolute responsibility of the installer. The aircraft or engine's current Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) is the final authority for confirming part number eligibility.

Applications

• Engine Starting: Conducts high DC current to the armature to motorize the engine's gas generator spool for starting.

• Power Generation: Collects DC current from the armature to supply the aircraft's primary electrical bus after engine start.

Why Choose 30300-1286?

The brush compound in a starter-generator is a precisely engineered material, matched to the specific alloy of the commutator, the operational speeds, and the extreme electrical loads. Using the genuine OEM 30300-1286 brush is the only way to ensure reliable performance and prevent premature wear or, more critically, destructive arcing that can severely damage the commutator bars. Commutator repair is one of the most expensive overhaul procedures for a starter-generator. Using the correct OEM brushes is a critical investment in the health and reliability of this essential engine component.

The material science of the 30300-1286 brush is a careful balance of conflicting requirements. The graphite component is critical for its tribological properties; it is a solid lubricant that shears easily, depositing a thin, low-friction film on the rotating copper commutator. This film is essential for minimizing mechanical wear and electrical noise. However, pure graphite has a limited current-carrying capacity (ampacity). To handle the massive inrush current of a turbine start, finely milled copper powder is blended into the carbon-graphite matrix. This creates a dense, inter-connected network of highly conductive metallic paths within the brush body, allowing it to handle transient currents exceeding 1000 amps. The integral copper shunt wire is also critical, as it bypasses the brush spring, preventing the high current from annealing the spring material, which would cause it to lose tension and result in brush bounce, severe arcing, and catastrophic commutator damage.

Note: This is a flight-critical, on-condition, or time-limited wear item. Brushes should always be replaced as a complete set. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in strict accordance with the starter-generator's Component Maintenance Manual (CMM). During replacement, the commutator must be inspected for wear and cleanliness, and the brush holder assembly must be checked for proper function. Brush seating procedures may be required to ensure proper fitment.

Documentation

All technical data, installation procedures, and service limits for this component are proprietary to Safran Power Systems and Textron Aviation. This information is contained within the official Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) for the 23081-016 starter-generator.