Microtecnica has been selected to supply the leading edge and trailing edge flap drive and actuation system for the Aermacchi M346 Advanced Trainer aircraft. The first system will be delivered in mid-2001; the first flight of the aircraft is scheduled in June 2002.
Microtecnica, the Torino, Italy-based division of Hamilton Sundstrand, also supplies the leading edge flap actuation system for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The high-performance system for the Aermacchi M346 will feature two distinct hydromechanical drive units powering geared rotary actuators in the leading edge portion of the wing, and linear ballscrew actuators in the trailing edge portion directly interfaced with the aircraft quadruplex flight control computers.
"It is the most challenging actuation system so far conceived for a trainer aircraft in terms of performance, reliability, redundancy and survivability," says Piero Bozzola, chief design engineer for actuation systems at Microtecnica.
The company also supplies systems for the Sikorsky Aircraft S-92 Helibus, the Agusta/ Westland EH-101, the NHI NH 90 and the Agusta A-129 helicopter.
Source: Flight Daily News
