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JetZero harnesses major suppliers for demonstrator's flight control
Thursday, 7 November 2024
BAE Systems, Moog, Safran, Thales and Woodward will all contribute technology to the Flight Control System on the JetZero full-scale blended wing body (BWB) demonstrator.

JetZero has finalised partnership agreements with Tier One suppliers for the key components of the Flight Control System on its full-scale blended wing body (BWB) demonstrator. The execution of contracts marks a critical step in the path toward build and demonstration, with test flights scheduled to begin in 2027.

"Finalising supplier contracts for the Flight Control Systems is a significant milestone on our journey from design, to test, to demonstration," says Dan da Silva, chief operating officer for JetZero. "It's just the latest example of the steady progress JetZero is making toward building this airplane. These suppliers are the best at what they do, and we're so pleased to see their shared enthusiasm and belief in the blended wing airplane we're building at JetZero."

All hardware being integrated onto the airplane already flies on Part 25 commercial air transport airplanes, lowering risk and eliminating barriers to eventual certification. JetZero has intentionally selected partners and components with high technology and integration readiness levels.

Flight Control Systems suppliers include:

BAE Systems: Pilot Controls and Actuation Controllers

Active control sidesticks give immediate and intuitive feedback directly into the pilot's hands, which enables them to safely make use of the airplane's full flight envelope. Another significant benefit of this technology is the ability to link the controls electronically from pilot to pilot across the cockpit. This link enables both pilots to feel the forces and see the movement generated by the other. Active control sticks also require less complexity, weight, and volume than mechanically linked control sticks.

Actuator Control Units translate flight control signals, including the pilot inputs from the active control sticks, to commands that control the aircraft's control surfaces, providing precise coordination and responsiveness. These units work seamlessly with the flight control system, enhancing overall flight performance.

"This order is another significant step for BAE Systems in the aviation market and furthers the company's pursuit of a greener tomorrow," says Adam Taylor, business development & capability director at BAE Systems. "As the aerospace industry works diligently to lower emissions, we are proud to be part of JetZero's project to help further the industry's sustainability vision."

Moog: Flight Control Actuation

Moog will provide the complete set of flight control actuators for this industry-leading program. Moog is the foremost leader in the aerospace industry providing flight control equipment and systems to the world's leading commercial platforms. This includes design, development, test and certification.

"Moog's extensive experience in actuation technology allows us to provide the right solution optimized for performance, weight and reliability", says Mark Brooks, Moog senior vice president for commercial aircraft. "Moog is proud and excited to be part of the groundbreaking program that will lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft."

Safran: Pilot Controls

Safran Electronics & Defense will develop and manufacture pilot controls and provide engineering services for JetZero's Blended Wing Body demonstrator aircraft. As part of this collaboration, Safran will supply the Throttle Quadrant, Rudder Brake Pedal, Speedbrake, Flap Control Lever, and additional cockpit components for all development and qualification laboratories, as well as the demonstrator itself.

"This partnership underscores Safran and JetZero's shared commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability within the aerospace industry, addressing one of the sector's most significant challenges: the reduction of CO2 emissions" says Bruno Vazzoler, Safran Electronics & Defense Avionics GBU EVP.

Thales: Flight Control Computers

Field-proven for over 40 years and installed on board more than 12,000 aircraft, Thales's Fly-by-Wire flight control solution is perfectly suited to JetZero's needs. The Fly-by-Wire flight control systems offer substantial benefits in terms of flight safety, aircraft performance, reliability and availability. Those benefits encompass flight envelope protection, reduced pilot workload, minimized aircraft weight, improved handling qualities and reliability.

"Actively engaged in a low carbon future, Thales is proud to support JetZero in their innovative pursuit of net zero flights," says Yanik Doyon, VP of Sales & Business Development for Flight Avionics, Thales North America. "Our proven flight controls solution is the perfect fit for a disruptive aircraft paving the way for a sustainable future in aviation."

Woodward: Trim Control Panel

Woodward's Trim Control Module contains pilot interfaces intended for yaw trim, pitch trim and reset functions that relieves the pilot from having to maintain constant pressure on the flight controls. The mechanism works with the airplane through two Rotary Variable Differential Transformers (RVDT) essential to the product. The RVDTs are designed and manufactured by Woodward at its Niles, IL facility.

"Woodward is proud to be chosen as a collaborator on the JetZero Blended Wing Body Demonstrator. This pioneering endeavor in sustainable aircraft has potential to revolutionize the aviation industry. Our Trim Control Module is the ideal fit for the demonstrator objectives, and another example of our commitment to working alongside trailblazers in line with our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future," says Terry Voskuil, President of Aerospace, Woodward.

Contact details from our directory:
JetZero Airframer
BAE Systems Electronic Systems Aircraft & Helicopter Controllers, Cabin Management Systems, Collision Avoidance Systems/TCAS, Engine Controls, Fly-by-Wire Systems, Head-Up Displays
BAE Systems, Aircraft Control Electronic Control Equipment, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems
Moog Inc. Aircraft & Helicopter Controllers, Airframer, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Autopilots, Electromechanical Actuators, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Engine Controls, Flight Management Systems, Fly-by-Wire Systems, Hydraulic Actuators, Mechanical Actuators, Rotary Actuators, Servoactuators, Servovalves, Test Equipment
Safran Electronics & Defense (Components) Accelerometers, Airborne Reconnaissance Infrared, Attitude Indicators, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Autopilots, Cockpit Control Systems, Digital Actuators, Electro-Optical Systems & Equipment, Electronic Control Equipment, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Engine Control Quadrants, Engine Health Monitoring, Fibre Optic Gyroscopes, Flight Recorders, FLIR Systems, Full Authority Digital Controls, GPS, Gyro-Stabilized Platforms, Gyroscopes, Heading Indicators, Health & Usage Monitoring, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD), Inertial Components & Systems, Laser Gyroscopes, LCD Displays, Moving Maps, Night Vision Equipment, Onboard Computers, Radar/Radio Altimeters, Rate Gyroscopes, Sensors/Transducers, Thermal Imaging Equipment, Windshield Wipers, Yokes
Safran Landing Systems Aircraft Landing Gear, Aircraft Wheels, Anti-Skid Brakes & Systems, Brake System Components, Brake-by-Wire Systems, Carbon Brakes, Electrical Brakes, Electrohydraulic Brakes, Electrohydrostatic Actuators, Electronic Control Equipment, Engine Controls, Helicopter Landing Gear, Hydraulic Brakes, Hydraulic Filters, Hydraulic Systems & Equipment, Landing Gear Controls, Oil Pressure Monitoring Equipment, Steering Systems, Tyre Pressure Monitors
Thales Avionics (Canada) Attitude Indicators, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Autopilots, Avionics Management Systems, Cockpit Control Systems, Collision Avoidance Systems/TCAS, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Head-Up Displays, Health & Usage Monitoring, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD), LCD Displays, LED Displays, Multi-Mode Receivers (MMR), Onboard Computers, Proximity Warning Indicators, Radar/Radio Altimeters, Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems
Woodward, Inc. Aircraft & Helicopter Controllers, Angular Sensors, APU Components, Autothrottle Systems, Cockpit Control Systems, Electric Motors, Electromechanical Actuators, Electronic Control Equipment, Engine Control Quadrants, Gearboxes, Linear Sensors
Related aircraft programs:
JetZero BWB Demonstrator