26.03.2026
In the presence of Airbus, the jointly advanced APU steam cleaning solution demonstrated efficient A320 air intake plenum cleaning in an operationally relevant timeframe, taking the program another step toward market readiness.
Biberach, Germany – March 25, 2026 – RH Aero Systems and DASH-Aero™ have reached an important milestone in the development of the STEAM-CU-CE.
During a visit to RH Aero’s regional headquarters in Biberach, Germany, David Allen and Mitchell Allen of DASH-Aero™, together with Arnaud Rubio from Airbus, attended a live demonstration of the first serial production unit manufactured in Germany.
The demonstration marked more than a technical checkpoint, because it showed clearly that the STEAM-CU-CE can clean the A320 air intake plenum efficiently and within a timeframe that matters in real maintenance environments. Just as importantly, the process can be completed within one hour gate side, helping operators avoid disruption to fleet schedules.
Technically, the solution builds on the deep field experience and process know-how of DASH-Aero™, while RH Aero has worked to optimize the system for industrialization, serial production, and practical deployment in airline and MRO environments. As a result, the program now moves forward with stronger evidence not only of cleaning capability, but also of operational relevance and scalability.
Designed for the Airbus narrowbody family, including the A318, A319, A320, A321 and neo variants, the STEAM-CU-CE is being advanced as a controlled and repeatable APU steam cleaning solution for practical maintenance use. The system is intended to support more standardized workflows, reduced process variability, and more predictable turn times, while aligning with the operational requirements of airlines and MROs.
“Today’s demonstration is a strong validation point for the STEAM-CU-CE program,” said Matthias Lange, Group Lead Engineering Engine Wash at RH Aero Systems. “What we saw in Biberach was not only effective cleaning performance, but a workflow that is moving closer to practical use in airline and MRO operations than current methods. That matters, because market readiness depends on technical capability and operational fit working together.”
David Allen, Co-Founder and CEO of DASH-Aero™, added: “On behalf of Sandy Showalter, Co-Founder and COO, and myself, this milestone reflects the efforts of our United States team members, who have cleaned thousands of APUs, as well as our partners at RH Aero, to bring to market a robust solution for an industry plagued by Air Quality Events.”
Today’s progress also reflects the development path behind the program. After intensive work to move the STEAM-CU-CE from concept to prototype and now to the first serial production unit, the demonstration in Biberach provides a clear basis for the next phase of validation. That next phase will focus on testing the unit on a real A320 APU compartment with airline partners. With that step, the program will further expand its field-proven application and move closer to full OEM validation.
About the STEAM-CU-CE
The STEAM-CU-CE is an APU steam cleaning solution advanced by RH Aero Systems and DASH-Aero™ for the Airbus narrowbody family air intake plenum and overall APU compartment. The program is focused on bringing a repeatable, operationally relevant cleaning solution into practical airline and MRO use. By combining DASH-Aero™’s process expertise from thousands of APU cleanings with RH Aero’s manufacturing and productization capabilities, the solution is being prepared for robust and scalable market deployment.
For more information, visit www.rhaero.com and www.dash-aero.com.