Gulfstream Exploring Fly-By-Wire

Gulfstream Aerospace is exploring the potential of "fly-by-wire" technology with a proof-of-concept research program it calls Advanced Flight Controls (AFC).

All of Gulfstream's current jet aircraft, the G150, G200, G350, G450, G500 and G550, use mechanical linkages to control hydro-mechanical-powered actuators that move the airplanes' ailerons, elevators, rudders, spoilers and flaps.  Fly-by-wire technology controls new electro-mechanical actuators electronically, which reduces both weight and physical complexity.

Gulfstream initiated the AFC research program in 2004, focusing on spoiler and elevator systems.  By September 2005, the company completed a critical design review, and by the end of that year, it integrated new AFC hardware and software components with existing aircraft systems in a test facility to conduct verification work.  In May of this year, Gulfstream finished installing the hardware and software components on a static aircraft and succeeded in controlling the plane's outboard, mid-board and inboard spoilers electronically.  Currently, Gulfstream is replacing the traditional control spoiler components with electro-mechanical actuators on a modified GV that will begin flight tests in August.  Elevator testing will be carried out later in the year.

Three partners are working with Gulfstream in the program: Thales is supplying the flight control computer, which interfaces with the cockpit, aircraft sensors and the fly-by-wire actuators; Smiths is supplying the electromechanical actuators (EMAs) and other electronic components for the mid- and inboard spoilers; and Parker is supplying a rotary EMA for the outboard spoiler, and an electrical backup hydraulic actuator (EBHA) for the elevator, along with accompanying electronic components.  07-23-2006.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines