THE US AIR FORCE has flown the first Lockheed NC-141A Starlifter fitted with Lucas Aerospace electric-aileron actuators, replacing the aircraft's traditional electro-mechanical devices (Flight International, 3-9 April). The USAF says tests of the Electric Starlifter could lead to the technology being introduced on its entire fleet of C-141s and C-5 Galaxy transports. Use of "fly-by-wire" aileron controls saves weight and improves reliability by eliminating the previous, centralised hydraulic system, says the USAF.
Source: Flight International
