Joint Venture Between BAE Systems And Sagem/Safran Electronics

BAE Systems and Sagem/Safran Electronics are marking a 10-year milestone this year for their joint venture, FADEC International. FADEC International is aimed at developing, manufacturing, and servicing full authority digital engine controls (FADEC) for commercial jet engine applications. The FADEC solution is a redundant, multi-channel digital computer which governs engine fuel flow, controls variable engine geometries, interfaces with the engine thrust reverser, and performs advanced functions such as electronic engine overspeed protection and extensive engine monitoring.

Over the last 10 years, FADEC International has benefited from the vast experience and support of two industry-leading parent companies, BAE Systems and Sagem. Together, they deliver innovative, tested, fuel-efficient, and proven commercial aviation solutions as well as world-class customer support to benefit their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and more than 300 airline customers.

The FADEC International venture continues to be highly successful, with an engine control fleet that exceeds 9,900 controls with more than 625 million flight hours of outstanding reliability and performance. FADEC International recently established an additional joint venture with GE, known as FADEC Alliance, to develop, produce, and support FADEC for CFM International’s next generation engine, LEAP, and GE’s Passport engine. The FADEC Alliance joint venture will be the exclusive FADEC supplier for these commercial engines.

“FADEC International looks forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with GE/CFM in developing and fielding what will be our most advanced engine control design,” said Dennis Slattery, president of FADEC International and director of engine controls at BAE Systems. “This is our fourth generation of the FADEC computer, delivering a real breakthrough on the previous generations. The FADEC will be a technological discriminator for powering next generation aircraft engine platforms.”

“Through the FADEC joint venture’s ongoing investment in product improvements, technology, support and its dedicated people, the FADEC International controls have continuously surpassed established records of time on-wing and support turnaround time," said Jean-Michel Hillion, chairman of FADEC International and executive vice president of Safran Electronics. “We are designing our next generation product to continue in this tradition.”.

FMI: www.baesystems.com/US, www.sagem-ds.com