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. 

FMI: www.aero.bombardier.com