Parker Aerospace has produced what it claims is the first viable dual channel electrohydrostatic actuator (EHA). Electric actuators are likely to eliminate hydraulics in the Joint Strike Fighter.
Early non-flying examples were delivered last month to Lockheed Martin for "ground integration and safety of flight" on the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration Lockheed Martin F-16 testbed, says Avi Mordkowitz, Parker vice-president product development for flight control systems. He says the all-electric F-16 is due to fly with five EHA units in March 1999 - powering the rudder, flaperons and stabilators of the aircraft. A prototype EHA has been produced and has attracted attention from competitors such as Lucas Aerospace.
Several companies have flown electric actuators, but only simplex models. Liebherr Aerospace has flown such units on an Airbus A319, while Lucas units have been fitted on a Lockheed C-141. Dual redundancy requires complex software to synchronise the two "horizontally opposed" sides, says Parker.
Source: Flight International
