16th Oct 2006 17:03
Smiths Aerospace's capability to provide integrated digital andmechanical technologies proved successful in support of the firstflight of the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Advanced Flight Control(AFC) program. The development of Smiths' electro-mechanical spoilersystem supports the aim of evaluating a "more electric" actuationsystem for future aircraft. £ "By combining our digital and mechanical systems expertise, wewere able to adapt the system to support both inboard and mid-spoilerstations to meet Gulfstream's first flight timescales," said Dr. JohnFerrie, President, Smiths Aerospace. "There is real value in bringingthese technologies together so we are able to develop greatercapabilities for customer solutions." £ The first flight of the Gulfstream test aircraft took place on 26September 2006 with flight duration of 1 hour 59 minutes. Smithssupported the Gulfstream first flight by developing theElectro-Mechanical Actuator Spoiler System, which has provided vitaldata enabling a high confidence when proposing future electricallydriven actuation systems. £ Smiths' spoiler system comprises Remote Electronic Unit (REU),Rectification (ATRU), Motor Control Unit (MCU) and Electro-MechanicalActuator (EMA). The REU from its use on an elevator 'feel' unit to afull 'primary' actuation controller demonstrates the versatility ofthis unique system element which is unmatched globally. The MCU takesadvantage of a singular hybrid topology enabling the flexibility of adigital solution with the robustness and cost level of an analoguedesign. The development of the integrated system involved combines theefforts of Smiths' facilities in Wolverhampton and Cheltenham, UK andNew Jersey, USA. £ Gulfstream initiated the AFC research program in 2004 to examinethe feasibility of the lighter and smaller electronically drivenflight controls, focusing on the aircraft spoiler and elevatorsystems. By the end of 2005, Gulfstream integrated new AFC hardwareand software components with existing aircraft systems in anintegration test facility to conduct verification testing. By May ofthis year, Gulfstream had installed the hardware and softwarecomponents on an actual static aircraft and succeeded in controllingthe plane's outboard, mid-board and inboard spoilers electronically.Gulfstream modified a GV test aircraft, replacing the traditionalcable-controlled, hydro-mechanical spoiler components withelectro-mechanical actuators. Flight testing of the modified GV beganwith the first flight September 26, 2006. £ Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group, is a leadingtransatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, with more than11,000 employees and $2.5 billion revenues globally. The company holdskey positions in the supply chains of all major military and civilaircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital,electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and customerservices. www.smiths-aerospace.com Copyright Business Wire 2006Related Shares:
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