04 Nov 2002
FADEC 3, a full-authority digital engine control jointly developed and built by BAE Systems Controls and HISPANO-SUIZA, a Snecma Group company, had a perfect first flight aboard the world's most powerful aircraft engine - the GE90-115B.
FADEC 3 represents a significant advance over previous engine controls, delivering 10 times the processing power of its predecessor and greater flexibility at lower cost. It uses a flexible design approach that allows rapid and simple reconfiguration of the unit for new applications, higher reliability, and easier maintenance.
"This control takes a dramatically new approach to engine control design," said James Scanlon, BAE Systems Controls president. "FADEC 3 provides an order-of-magnitude increase in processing power over the current-technology units, which are already the most advanced in the industry." Already selected by GE for use on the GE90-115B, the engine that will power Boeing's 777 aircraft family, the new control also is designed to meet the requirements of several other new engine applications and as a replacement for the first- and second-generation BAE Systems FADECs currently used on other GE and CFMI engines.
"FADEC 3 will set a new standard in performance and customer satisfaction," said Pascal Senechal, chairman and chief executive officer of HISPANO-SUIZA. "The control's versatile design and high throughput provide for easy growth and addition of new functions as future engine and aircraft applications occur."
In addition to its enhanced capability, the new design reduces cost through increased use of off-the-shelf discrete components intended to overcome issues related to parts obsolescence. Further cost reduction is made possible through innovative "lean manufacturing" techniques used at BAE Systems manufacturing plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recognised as one of the 10 "Best Plants" in North America by Industry Week magazine.
Customers will benefit from the unique design of the FADEC 3, which exceeds expectations for performance and service by integrating lessons learned from millions of operating hours of electronic engine controls made by BAE Systems and HISPANO-SUIZA.
About BAE SYSTEMS:
BAE Systems is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE Systems employs nearly 100,000 people including joint ventures, and has annual sales of around 13 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land, and space, with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE Systems designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems and a range of other defence products. BAE Systems is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions.
BAE Systems North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in 30 states and Washington, D.C. 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 Controls, an operating unit of BAE Systems North America, is a leading supplier and integrator of electronic flight and engine controls for defence and commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications. It also provides integrated avionics for aircraft applications and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems and is a leader in electronic controls for the locomotive industry and the emerging heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicle market. Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, New York; Santa Monica and Ontario, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Redmond, Washington.
About HISPANO-SUIZA:
HISPANO-SUIZA is a leading company for engine control systems, electronic controls, accessory drives for engines, and power transmission systems for aircraft and helicopters. It provides comprehensive service and support solutions based on system expertise to enhance customer operations, including spares and repair integrated services, custom training programs, and technical assistance. HISPANO-SUIZA is headquartered in Colombes and has facilities in Colombes, Rau and Bezons, France, and Peterborough, Canada.
HISPANO-SUIZA is a wholly owned Snecma company. Snecma is a world's leading manufacturer of propulsion systems and equipment, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs and General Electric. Snecma has annual sales of 6.9 billion in commercial and military engines for aircraft, helicopters, space launch vehicles and satellites, engine systems and equipment, nacelles and thrust reversers, auxiliary power units, aircraft landing systems, and airframe electrical wiring, connectors, and electric motors.
