JetZero has officially announced multiple partnership agreements with Tier One suppliers for the key components of the Flight Control System on its full-scale blended wing body (BWB) demonstrator.
According to certain reports, all the hardware which will be used here already flies on Part 25 commercial air transport airplanes. This, like you can guess, significantly cuts down on the risk element, and at the same time, eliminates any barriers to eventual certification. .
Talk about which suppliers made the cut and what are they likely to bring to the table, we begin from BAE Systems, who will be in charge of pilot controls and actuation controls. In essence, the company will make it possible for JetZero to access its active controls sidesticks that give immediate and intuitive feedback directly into the pilot’s hands, thus enabling them to safely use the airplane’s full flight envelope. Beyond that, the technology can link controls electronically from pilot to pilot across the cockpit. Such a linkage lets one pilot feel the forces and see the movement generated by the other.
Another detail worth mention here is rooted in how the technology also puts you through less complexity weight, and volume than mechanically linked control sticks.
As for BAE’s Actuator Control Units, they are well-equipped in the context of translating flight control signals, including pilot inputs from the active control sticks, as well as commands that control the aircraft’s control surfaces. By doing so, they are able to provide precise coordination and responsiveness. Not just that, these units also work seamlessly with the flight control system to enhance overall flight performance.
The next supplier would be Woodward, a company that JetZero will now bank upon for Trim Control Panel. You see, Woodward’s Trim Control Module contains pilot interfaces intended for yaw trim, pitch trim, and reset functions that relieves the pilot from having to maintain constant pressure on the flight controls. Markedly enough, the mechanism in question works in conjunction with two Rotary Variable Differential Transformers which are essential to the core product’s function.
“Woodward is proud to be chosen as a collaborator on the JetZero Blended Wing Body Demonstrator. This pioneering endeavor in sustainable aircraft has potential to revolutionize the aviation industry. Our Trim Control Module is the ideal fit for the demonstrator objectives, and another example of our commitment to working alongside trailblazers in line with our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions,” said Terry Voskuil, President of Aerospace at Woodward.
Moving on, JetZero further selected Moog as a supplier, with the latter now set to impart its prowess around Flight Control Actuation. In essence, Moog will deliver what would be a complete set of flight control actuators. Making this development all the more important is, of course, the company’s stature as a leader in the aerospace industry, a leader who provides flight control equipment and systems to the world’s leading commercial platforms.
Then, there is Safran, who will chip in its own say on Pilot Controls. Basically, Safran Electronics & Defense will develop and manufacture pilot controls and provide engineering services for JetZero’s Blended Wing Body demonstrator aircraft. Under the agreed terms, it will supply Throttle Quadrant, Rudder Brake Pedal, Speedbrake, Flap Control Lever, and other cockpit components for all development and qualification laboratories and for the demonstrator itself.
Finally, the last supplier in play will be Thales. Entrusted to supply flight control computers, Thales will leverage its Fly-by-Wire flight control solution to fulfill JetZero’s needs. In case you weren’t aware, this Fly-by-Wire flight control solution is designed to help customers achieve flight envelope protection, reduced pilot workload, and minimized aircraft weight, along with improved handling qualities and reliability.
“Finalizing supplier contracts for the Flight Control Systems is a significant milestone on our journey from design, to test, to demonstration,” said Dan da Silva, chief operating officer for JetZero. “It’s just the latest example of the steady progress JetZero is making toward building this airplane. These suppliers are the best at what they do, and we’re so pleased to see their shared enthusiasm and belief.”
