Combines Brake-By-Wire With Electric Actuation
On Tuesday, Bombardier Aerospace announced a milestone in the
advancement of civil aviation: a Bombardier test aircraft executed
a first-flight equipped solely with an all-electric braking
system.
The testing lasted in excess of seven hours, included five
landings and a series of high-speed braked ground runs. The
Bombardier demonstrator aircraft was equipped with a Meggitt EBrake
electric braking system, and Messier-Dowty landing gear with
electric brake wiring harnesses.
On board the test aircraft were engineering test pilots Gary
Bruce and Jeff Karnes, along with flight test engineer Anthony
Dunne.
"We tested the Ebrake system’s normal, emergency and park
braking functionality during both ground and flight tests. It
provided improved braking control in normal and emergency operating
modes, resulting in tight centerline control even during maximum
brake applications," said Bruce.
"We at Bombardier are committed to, and take pride in, aircraft
innovation," said François Caza, Vice President and Chief
Engineer, Bombardier Aerospace. "This successful first flight
highlights Bombardier’s commitment to the advancement of
aviation technology. It is part of a comprehensive technology
development program covering various areas, including avionics,
aircraft configurations, advanced structures and advanced
manufacturing methods."
Bombardier touts electric braking as "the next evolution in
aerospace braking system technology." It couples brake-by-wire
control with electric brake actuation.
The planemaker's technology demonstrator aircraft was modified
by removing its hydraulically actuated brake-by-wire control
system. In its place, a complete electric brake-by-wire system,
with fully integrated anti-skid protection, emergency and parking
brake functions was installed.
Bombardier says key benefits of this new technology are an
expected increase in the aircraft’s dispatch reliability;
elimination of brake system hydraulic leaks with associated fire
risk; simplification of the aircraft’s manufacturing process;
and reduced maintenance costs for airlines.
In addition to those tangible benefits, electric brake
technology also falls in-line with the industry evolution towards
more electric aircraft providing a more fuel efficient,
cleaner-burning aircraft and reducing the usage of toxic hydraulic
fluids.