Boeing Selects BAE SYSTEMS For Digital Flight Control On U.S. Army CH-47F Helicopters
28 Jun 2004
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems has selected BAE Systems to develop the digital flight control computer for the newest version of the U.S. Armys CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift transport helicopter, the CH-47F. The company will design the system and produce seven development shipsets in support of flight tests scheduled for 2005.
The work is expected to lead to production orders for 300 Army helicopters.
The digital control will replace analogue flight controls on CH-47D helicopters as Boeing upgrades 300 of those aircraft to the F-model standard under contract to the Army. Its digital design will provide significantly greater reliability, maintainability, and flexibility than the existing analogue control. The system also will incorporate a built-in diagnostic system for detecting and analysing system failures and faults.
“The CH-47 has been in service with the Army for more than 40 years and still represents a benchmark in capability and versatility,” said Mike Austill, vice president of Aerospace Controls for BAE Systems Platform Solutions. “Its an honour to have been chosen to take part in this upgrade, which will keep the Chinook in the Armys inventory for decades to come.”
The new flight control, part of a new integrated avionic system, is scheduled for flight test in 2005 and installation on production CH-47Fs in 2006. In addition to about 450 U.S. Army Chinooks, militaries worldwide operate about 350 CH-47s that are potential candidates for the flight control upgrade, Austill said.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea and in space. The company designs, manufactures and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years. It is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company has more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 12 billion through its wholly-owned and joint venture operations.
BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 25,000 people who live and work in some 30 states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom. The company is dedicated to solving its customers needs with highly innovative and leading edge solutions across the defence electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas.
BAE Systems Platform Solutions Sector provides a wide range of products and capabilities that include fly-by-wire flight controls, digital autopilots and flight directors, full-authority digital engine controls, inertial sensors and navigation guidance systems, displays, integrated avionics, power management systems, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, low-visibility precision landing systems, air traffic management systems, launch-vehicle controls, and hybrid electric vehicle drive systems. The sector is based in Johnson City, N.Y., and employs more than 6,000 people at facilities in the United States and the United Kingdom.
BAE Systems, innovating for a safer world.
For further information please contact:
Larry Stone, BAE Systems Platform Solutions
Tel: +1 607 770 3944 Mobile: +1 607 759 2545
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