Thu, Mar 20, 2003
Promise Best FADEC Yet
BAE
SYSTEMS Controls and joint-venture partner Hispano-Suiza will
develop the full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) for the
Engine Alliance GP7200, the engine that will power the Airbus A380
family of superjumbo jets. The contract from the Engine Alliance, a
joint venture between GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney,
calls for development of the world's most sophisticated commercial
FADEC.
Delivery of the first development unit is scheduled for August
2003. Production orders of some 600 FADECs are anticipated to
support engine deliveries beginning in 2006.
"BAE
SYSTEMS is a leading producer of jet engine controls, including the
control for the GE90 family, from which the GP7200 derives much of
its architecture," said Hank McGlynn, vice president of Power
Systems at BAE SYSTEMS Controls. The GP7200 control will be based
on FADEC 3, the company's newest engine control, which flew
successfully last fall aboard the GE90-115 (shown), currently the
world's most powerful aircraft engine. "We are delighted at the
opportunity to work with our partner, Hispano-Suiza, on this
ambitious project."
Employing an Ethernet-based data communications network, the
GP7200 control will be the most complex FADEC ever developed. The
control will monitor fuel flow, control variable engine geometries,
interface with the engine thrust reverser, and perform advanced
functions such electronic engine overspeed protection.
BAE SYSTEMS and Hispano-Suiza have teamed on engine control
development and production since 1984 and recently formed a joint
venture called FADEC International to design and build controls for
large commercial engines.
In addition to the engine control, BAE SYSTEMS also will develop
the GP7200's Vibration Monitoring Unit, or VMU, in cooperation with
Vibro-Meter, a unit of Switzerland-based Meggitt Plc. The VMU is a
key part of the engine's health monitoring system.
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