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.

FMI: www.goodrich.com