Flexible Thinking: Integrated Passive Devices—Design Solutions With Many Benefits
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Connect the Dots: Five Best Practices for Designing Flex and Rigid-flex PCBs
BAE Systems to Upgrade flight control computers for F-15EX and F/A-18E/F fighters
August 21, 2024 | PRNewswireEstimated reading time: 1 minute
BAE Systems has been selected by Boeing to upgrade the fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control computers (FCC) for the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. The FCCs feature common core electronics that support the quad-redundant FBW flight control systems (FCS), providing the safety, reliability, robustness, and performance needed for the missions of these advanced platforms.
As the original manufacturer of the FCCs for both aircraft, BAE Systems will modernize the FCC electronics hardware and software to increase processing power, enhance cyber and product security, address obsolescence issues, and support sustainment well into the future. The upgraded FCC will leverage the company's high-integrity flight control product roadmap, built upon technology investments, and used across multiple recent military airborne platform flight control upgrades. The F/A-18E/F FCC will also receive an additional processor to enable future capabilities for the fleet.
"BAE Systems is a leader in high-integrity controls and this upgrade reflects our commitment to providing our customers with next-generation solutions," said Corin Beck, senior director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. "Our advanced flight-critical solution ensures that these platforms will maintain fleet readiness now, and in the future, as well as provisions the aircraft to support the integration of new functions."
These computers efficiently manage aircraft flight by processing pilot inputs, monitoring real-time aircraft movement conditions via on-board sensors, and transmitting commands to actuators that move the control surfaces. The redundant FCS, along with the flight control laws, enables the pilot to maintain controlled operation across the demanding flight regime and multiple loadout configurations. Additionally, the FCS can reconfigure how it controls the aircraft in case of a failure or battle damage by mixing the remaining control surfaces differently. The advanced FBW FCS allows the pilot to focus more on the mission and less on flying the aircraft.
Share on:
Suggested Items
DARPA Taps Sikorsky to Add Autonomy to U.S. Army-Owned Black Hawk Helicopter
10/18/2024 | Lockheed MartinSikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has received a $6 million award from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to install the company’s ALIAS/MATRIX™ flight autonomy system onto the U.S. Army’s experimental fly-by-wire UH-60M Black Hawk® helicopter. Designated MX, the upgraded aircraft will enable the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) to test and evaluate a wide range of autonomy capabilities, from single pilot operation to fully uninhabited flight.
Spirit Electronics Offers TE Connectivity’s Sensor Products in Franchised Distribution Agreement
10/15/2024 | BUSINESS WIRESpirit Electronics announces franchised distribution for TE Connectivity’s sensor product lines. TE Sensors are engineered for performance and reliability, offering flexible and durable solutions for Spirit’s aerospace and defense customers.
Venus Aerospace Unveils Groundbreaking Detonation Ramjet Engine
10/08/2024 | Venus AerospaceVenus’ advanced propulsion system is engineered to power high-speed vehicles, including drones and aircraft, enabling them to travel vast distances at high altitudes and achieve high-Mach speeds with unmatched efficiency.
AV Successfully Flight Tests New Solar-Powered Aircraft, Redefines Stratospheric Payload Capabilities
10/02/2024 | BUSINESS WIREAeroVironment (AV) flight-tested an upgraded Sunglider, enhancing its High-Altitude Platform-Station (HAPS) capabilities for commercial and government markets. The result is Horus™ A, the new version of Sunglider for government applications.
Lockheed Martin, Altera Showcase Successful SWIFT Demo
09/30/2024 | Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) in collaboration with Altera, an Intel Company, completed a successful flight demonstration of our 12th Generation Electronic Warfare (Gen12) transceiver utilizing Altera’s Agilex™ 9 Direct RF FPGA (Multi-Chip Package, MCP-2).