Parker Aerospace's Advanced Flight Controls Certified on Gulfstream G650 Business Jet
Parker Aerospace's Advanced Flight Controls Certified on Gulfstream G650 Business Jet
The G650 features a state-of-the-art, fully digital, fly-by-wire flight control system
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The fly-by-wire actuation system developed by Parker Aerospace, a business segment of Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYS: PH) , the global leader in motion and control technologies, has been certified as part of the type certificate Gulfstream received from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Gulfstream G650 business jet.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation's ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650 received FAA certification on September 7, 2012. Gulfstream and the Parker Aerospace Control Systems Division have been working together since the program's launch to design and certify the G650's fully digital, fly-by-wire flight control system, which includes the world's first three-axis business aircraft electric backup hydrostatic actuation (EBHA) subsystem.
EBHAs are electrically controlled actuators that are primarily hydraulically powered by one of the G650's two hydraulic systems, with electric power as a backup. The EBHA subsystem is self-contained, operating in the event of certain failure conditions, essentially eliminating the need for a third hydraulic system found in traditional aircraft system architectures. These actuators provide enhanced aircraft safety and flight control availability because of the different power sources.
Parker provides EBHAs for all the G650's primary control surfaces, including the elevator, rudder, aileron, and outboard multi-function spoiler. In addition, Parker provides electrohydraulic servoactuators (EHSAs) for all of the G650's primary control surfaces as well as remote electronics units, motor control electronics, and tubing assemblies. The flight control actuators are manufactured at the Parker Aerospace Control Systems Division facility in Ogden, Utah, with the electronics manufactured at the division's headquarters in Irvine, California.
The G650's fly-by-wire flight control system delivers many benefits, including flight-envelope protection, passenger comfort, increased redundancy, and reduced maintenance. As noted by Gulfstream in a recent statement, "the system is the result of extensive testing, leading to a redundant fly-by-wire system that exceeds certification requirements."
Parker Aerospace helped make business aviation history when the G650 completed flight with EBHA mode on December 21, 2010. It became the first business aircraft to control flight using an electrically powered, fly-by-wire, EBHA backup flight control actuation system.
"Parker is thrilled to have its components on the now-certified Gulfstream G650," said Parker Aerospace Vice President of Operations Greg Crowe. "We are proud to be a part of this game-changing aircraft and showing what our advanced, fly-by-wire flight controls can achieve."
When flight with EBHA mode was completed, Gulfstream Senior Vice President of Programs, Engineering, and Test Pres Henne said, "The system performed flawlessly. There was no difference in handling qualities between the electrically and hydraulically powered modes."
About Parker Aerospace. Parker Aerospace is a global leader in the research, design, manufacture, and service of flight control, hydraulic, fuel and inerting, fluid conveyance, thermal management, and engine systems and components for aerospace and other high-technology markets. It is an operating segment of Parker Hannifin Corporation.
About Parker Hannifin. With annual sales exceeding $13 billion in fiscal year 2012, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs approximately 60,000 people in 48 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 56 consecutive years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit the company's web site at http://www.parker.com, or its investor information web site at http://www.phstock.com.
Parker Aerospace
Alison Dittmeier, Media Relations & Communications Manager
949-851-3515
adittmeier@parker.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America California
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:
The article Parker Aerospace's Advanced Flight Controls Certified on Gulfstream G650 Business Jet originally appeared on Fool.com.
Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
