'Hybrid' FBW System A First For Planemaker
The plan for what will Cessna's largest-ever jet is coming
together. Last week, the planemaker announced the selection of
Parker Aerospace’s Control Systems Division to supply the
powered flight control system for the Model 850 Citation
Columbus.
The new large cabin Citation is the first aircraft in the
Citation family to be equipped with a hybrid fly-by-wire flight
control system developed by Cessna which works with conventional
hydraulic actuation to enhance the safety and performance
capabilities of the Columbus. Parker Aerospace will design and
manufacture the primary and secondary flight controls, including
roll, pitch and yaw axes; high lift; stabilizer trim; and speed
brake controls.
The new fly-by-wire flight portion of the control system
provides aircraft surface actuators that are electrically commanded
based on pilot and avionics inputs. This technology supports
enhanced aircraft performance by allowing improved pilot handling
and ride quality. Aircraft safety benefits can be realized with
improved envelope warning and protection functions, and control
redundancy.
The use of fly-by-wire components
will remove weight and simplify equipment installation. Combining
autoflight and flight augmentation functions into the fly-by-wire
system will provide additional weight and reliability benefits.
Further benefits of the new control system include reduced
aircraft maintenance costs, and enhanced dispatch reliability.
Parker’s Control Systems Division currently supplies speed
brake and flap actuators for Cessna’s Citation CJ4, which
will be the largest, longest-range version of the popular CJ line
when it enters service in 2010. Other Parker Aerospace divisions
support Cessna aircraft with equipment such as wheels, brakes,
cabin temperature control systems, fuel and pneumatic components
and utility hydraulics.
"Finding the right partner for each system is critical to the
success of the Citation Columbus," said Joe Hepburn, program
manager, Citation Columbus. "Parker’s extensive experience
and long term relationship with Cessna brings confidence in their
ability to provide an exceptional flight control system for this
new aircraft."
The Citation Columbus is expected to be the only aircraft in its
class capable of 4,000 nautical miles non-stop at Mach .80.
Preliminary performance numbers set a maximum cruise speed of 488
knots, a maximum operating speed of Mach .86, a full fuel payload
of 1,950 pounds and takeoff field length of 5,400 feet at maximum
takeoff weight.
The aircraft will debut Pratt & Whitney Canada’s
next-generation, 8,830 pound-thrust PW810 engines and will feature
the Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion advanced avionics system.
Cessna plans to achieve FAA certification by the end of 2013,
with deliveries beginning in 2014
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