Mon, Mar 15, 2004
First Helicopter With No Mechanical Links Between Pilot And
Rotor Actuators
When Eurocopter
recently completed the first flight of its new European military
helicopter, the NH90, it had Goodrich Actuation Systems' all
electric flight controls or "Fly-By-Wire" (FBW) technology on
board.
According to Jean-Guy Mutez, Goodrich Business Development
Director for Helicopters, "Goodrich is the main supplier of the
servo-controls to Eurocopter France and it is proud to have
participated in the development of the Fly-By-Wire system, which is
a real technical innovation in the rotorcraft market."
The flight controls were designed and developed in partnership
between Goodrich Actuation Systems' facility at Buc, France and
Liebherr Aerospace of Lindenberg, Germany (prime contractor to
Eurocopter for this flight control system). The main rotor actuator
makes use of a Direct Drive Valve technology developed by
Goodrich.
The Full Authority Quadruplex FBW System presents many
advantages. For the first time on a helicopter there are no
mechanical links between the pilot controls and the main and tail
rotor actuators. The FBW technology increases the maneuverability
of the aircraft and also reduces the pilot's workload. It also
enables manufacturers such as Eurocopter to significantly reduce
the weight of the helicopter -- thanks to simplified mechanical
parts and fewer hydraulic blocks.
Production deliveries for the NH90 helicopter commence later
this year. Currently 302 helicopters are planned by 2010 with 340
already on firm order by the European armed forces and a further 72
on option.
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