FHL is using expertise gained on its Helicopter Electric Actuation (HEAT) programme to play a leading role in two major aerospace technology studies.
A team of engineers is studying civil aerospace applications of electro-mechanical control systems under a national programme funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry. FHL (Hall 3, D7) has also started work on a pan-European tilt-rotor research project, involving AgustaWestland and Eurocopter among others.
Costs
As part of the Totally Integrated More Electric System (TIMES) scheme, FHL will develop and supply an electro-mechanical actuation system to drive the aileron of an Airbus A320. The system will be fitted onto a representative test rig to demonstrate its full performance envelope.
The replacement of conventional hydraulic equipment with electro-mechanical devices brings benefits in weight reduction, better reliability and lower life-cycle costs.
FHL had intended to supply an actuator developed as a demonstrator for the HEAT programme during the A320 work, but instead developed a bespoke actuator that can fit within the A320 wing profile, while still meeting stringent safety requirements demanded by civil aircraft programmes.
In a separate study, FHL is evaluating the design and cost of an electric actuation system for the European ACT-TILT project. Its work will centre on the flight control system, which is critical to the definition of a safe, reliable and affordable European tiltrotor.
Source: Flight Daily News
