ROLLS-ROYCE and Hamilton Standard, are developing an advanced, dual-purpose, full-authority digital engine-control (FADEC) system, designed to be fitted to two engine types powering US military aircraft.
R-R has carried out tests of a Hamilton Standard-built prototype system at its Bristol, UK plant. The system is fitted to an F408 Pegasus engine, which powers McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier IIs in service with the US Marines and the Spanish and Italian navies. The FADEC is also designed to fit the F405Adour, used on US Navy McDonnell DouglasT-45A Goshawk trainers.
R-R plans to have a production-standard configuration available by late-1998, to replace the hydro-mechanical fuel systems used on both engines. The UK company hopes that, by maximising commonality, the operational, maintenance and life-cycle costs of both engines can be reduced "with the minimum of modification work on either airframe and power plant".
Source: Flight International
