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GULFSTREAM COMPLETES FIRST PHASE OF FLIGHT TESTING OF ITS ADVANCED FLIGHT CONTROLS
Two-Phase Flight-Test Program Evaluates the Effects of ‘Fly-by-Wire’ Technology on Aircraft Performance
SAVANNAH, Ga., Oct. 16, 2006 – Gulfstream has completed the first phase of a two-phase flight-test program of its Advanced Flight Controls (AFC) proof-of-concept research effort. First announced in July 2006, the AFC program is using an ultra-long-range Gulfstream V (GV) business jet that has been modified to include “fly-by-wire” and “advanced actuator” technology to evaluate the technical feasibility and configuration benefits.
Fly-by-wire technology uses electronically controlled actuators that enable movement of an aircraft’s flight control surfaces, including spoilers, ailerons and flaps on the wings and the rudder and elevators on the tail.
“The initial results from the flight tests are positive,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, program, engineering and test, Gulfstream. “The early testing has provided valuable data for us to consider the tradeoffs in flight control system design in future aircraft models.”
In this first phase of flight testing, Gulfstream evaluated the wing’s spoilers, which are commanded by electro-mechanical actuators. Gulfstream also evaluated normal roll control, speedbrake and landing operations, as well as higher-level control law functionality for high-speed lateral/directional control and structural load alleviation. The experimental aircraft was flown to the limits of the GV speed and maneuvering envelope during the evaluation.
To begin the second phase of flight-testing, Gulfstream is modifying the aircraft’s elevator system by installing an Electrical Backup Hydraulic Actuator (EBHA) and accompanying components. Hydraulically powered, the EBHA features a self-contained reservoir and an electrical pump back-up mode that allows it to operate despite loss of aircraft-supplied hydraulic fluid. Once this installation is completed, Gulfstream begins the second phase of flight testing – evaluating the electronically commanded elevators on the tail in conjunction with the spoilers. The second phase of flight testing is expected to continue through the end of this year.
Gulfstream initiated the AFC research program in 2004 and by September 2005, had completed a critical design review. By year-end 2005, new AFC hardware and software components had been installed with existing aircraft systems in an integration test facility to conduct verification testing. By May of this year, the hardware and software components were fitted to an actual static aircraft and succeeded in electronically controlling the plane’s outboard, mid-board and inboard spoilers.
Gulfstream is partnering with three suppliers in its AFC research program. Thales is supplying the flight control computer, which interfaces with the cockpit and aircraft sensors and the fly-by-wire actuators. Smiths is supplying Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs) and other electronic components for the mid- and inboard spoilers. Parker is supplying a Rotary EMA for the outboard spoiler and the EBHA for the elevator, along with other electronic components.
NOTE TO EDITORS
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 81,900 people worldwide and had 2005 revenue of $21.2 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation. More information can be found online at www.generaldynamics.com.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,500 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350™; the large-cabin, long-range G450™; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500™ and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550™. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 7,900 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
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Document last modified Wednesday, January 03, 2007 |