PARIS, June 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace
Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), with
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has developed a new
technologically advanced fly-by-wire retrofit solution that enables
autonomous flight for rotary and fixed wing aircraft. The
technology was demonstrated as part of Sikorsky's Optionally
Piloted Vehicle (OPV) system. Sikorsky's S-70 OPV Black Hawk
flew for the first time on May 29 as
part of the DARPA Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System
(ALIAS) program.
Designed for safety critical applications, the new system is
triple redundant and replaces a mechanical system of rods and
pulleys with electromechanical actuators controlled by an enhanced
flight control computer. Collins Aerospace engineers worked with
Sikorsky to design this "jam free" system with purely magnetic
coupling, which eliminates the need for gearing, ball screws or
clutches. This marks the first time such a system has been used in
a safety critical aerospace application.
The revolutionary design of the fly-by-wire solution allows much
of the logic that would typically reside within the primary flight
control computer to now reside externally in its own control module
or the actuator itself. This further simplifies the system
architecture and increases reliability. The system's design allows
it to be installed without modifying the hydraulic system or
hydraulic actuator, removing the need for re-qualification of the
hydraulic system and thus providing a more affordable retrofit
option.
This advanced technology offering from Collins Aerospace
complements the next-gen Vehicle Management Computer (VMC) that the
company announced it was developing at the 2018 Farnborough
International Air Show. With 20 times the computing power of the
company's existing flight control computer, the VMC will enable
fly-by-wire technology and autonomous flight for new and retrofit
applications in civil and military aircraft, and is anticipated to
reach the market in 2022.
"With fly-by-wire retrofit solutions like this one and our
forthcoming Vehicle Management Computer, Collins Aerospace is at
the forefront of enabling autonomous flight," said Power &
Controls President Tim White. "By
reducing pilot workload through the autonomous performance of
certain flight operations, we can help improve safety, reliability
and efficiency for both military and commercial operators across a
variety of platforms."
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp.
(NYSE: UTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and
intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense
industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace
Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the
capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve
customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly
evolving global market. For more information, visit
CollinsAerospace.com.
About United Technologies Corporation
United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides
high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace
industries. By combining a passion for science with precision
engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions
the world needs. For more information about the company, visit our
website at www.utc.com or follow us on Twitter: @UTC
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SOURCE Collins Aerospace