AgustaWestland Selects BAE SYSTEMS To Control First Fully Electronic Helicopter Fly-by-Wire System.ROCHESTER, U.K. -- As part of its Helicopter Electro Actuation ac·tu·ate tr.v. ac·tu·at·ed, ac·tu·at·ing, ac·tu·ates 1. To put into motion or action; activate: electrical relays that actuate the elevator's movements. 2. Technology (HEAT) program for the U.K. Royal Navy's EH101 Merlin helicopter fleet, AgustaWestland has awarded a GBP GBP In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the British Pound. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 18.5 million ($32 million U.S.) contract to BAE Systems BAE Systems British manufacturer of aircraft, missiles, avionics, naval vessels, and other aerospace and defense products. BAE Systems was formed (1999) from the merger of British Aerospace (BAe) with Marconi Electronic Systems. for the development of the digital flight control computer. HEAT will be the first electromechanical The use of electricity to run moving parts. Disk drives, printers and motors are examples. Electromechanical systems must be designed for the eventual deterioration of moving components that wear over time. The first TVs were electromechanical systems (see video/TV history). fly-by-wire system installed on a helicopter. "The new state-of-the-art system will replace older, more complex hydraulic systems Noun 1. hydraulic system - a mechanism operated by the resistance offered or the pressure transmitted when a liquid is forced through a small opening or tube ," said Mike Austill, managing director of Avionic Systems for BAE Systems. "This reduces pilot workload, cost of ownership, maintenance, and weight while improving survivability sur·viv·a·ble adj. 1. Capable of surviving: survivable organisms in a hostile environment. 2. That can be survived: a survivable, but very serious, illness. , safety, and aircraft handling and agility." The HEAT system, designed in a joint effort by AgustaWestland, BAE Systems, and Claverham, will replace the existing hydro-mechanical rotor control system on the EH101. It comprises two dual-lane flight control computers that together will provide quadruple-redundant electronic control -- allowing the system to function safely even if two of the systems were to fail. The fly-by-wire controls initially will interface with the pilot inceptors and actuators, and eventually will replace the existing autostabilizer and autopilot functionality. "We are pleased to partner with BAE Systems on this groundbreaking technology, and we look forward to benefiting from the company's decades of fly-by-wire experience," said Martin Fausset, programs director at AgustaWestland. The system will expand the operational envelope of the aircraft for U.K. Royal Navy ship operations in adverse weather. It also will improve aircraft handling, enabling improved terrain following and masking and increased agility on the battlefield. The very high reliability and low power dissipation of the HEAT flight control system will ensure the Merlin's ability to operate for long periods remote from landing bases. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is the premier trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services . BAE Systems, with more than 100,000 employees worldwide, had 2005 sales that exceeded GBP 15.4 billion (U.S. $28 billion). |
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