October 16, 2006 - Orlando, FL – Smiths Aerospace’s capability to provide integrated digital and mechanical technologies proved successful in support of the first flight of the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Advanced Flight Control (AFC) program. The development of Smiths’ electro-mechanical spoiler system supports the aim of evaluating a “more electric” actuation system for future aircraft.

“By combining our digital and mechanical systems expertise, we were able to adapt the system to support both inboard and mid-spoiler stations to meet Gulfstream’s first flight timescales,” said Dr. John Ferrie, President, Smiths Aerospace. “There is real value in bringing these technologies together so we are able to develop greater capabilities for customer solutions.”

The first flight of the Gulfstream test aircraft took place on 26 September 2006 with flight duration of 1 hour 59 minutes. Smiths supported the Gulfstream first flight by developing the Electro-Mechanical Actuator Spoiler System, which has provided vital data enabling a high confidence when proposing future electrically driven actuation systems. Smiths’ spoiler system comprises Remote Electronic Unit (REU), Rectification (ATRU), Motor Control Unit (MCU) and Electro-Mechanical Actuator (EMA). The REU from its use on an elevator ‘feel’ unit to a full ‘primary’ actuation controller demonstrates the versatility of this unique system element which is unmatched globally. The MCU takes advantage of a singular hybrid topology enabling the flexibility of a digital solution with the robustness and cost level of an analogue design. The development of the integrated system involved combines the efforts of Smiths’ facilities in Wolverhampton and Cheltenham, UK and New Jersey, USA.

Gulfstream initiated the AFC research program in 2004 to examine the feasibility of the lighter and smaller electronically driven flight controls, focusing on the aircraft spoiler and elevator systems. By the end of 2005, Gulfstream integrated new AFC hardware and software components with existing aircraft systems in an integration test facility to conduct verification testing. By May of this year, Gulfstream had installed the hardware and software components on an actual static aircraft and succeeded in controlling the plane’s outboard, mid-board and inboard spoilers electronically. Gulfstream modified a GV test aircraft, replacing the traditional cable-controlled, hydro-mechanical spoiler components with electro-mechanical actuators. Flight testing of the modified GV began with the first flight September 26, 2006.

Smiths Aerospace, a part of Smiths Group, is a leading transatlantic aerospace systems and equipment company, with more than 11,000 employees and $2.5 billion revenues globally. The company holds key positions in the supply chains of all major military and civil aircraft and engine manufacturers and is a world-leader in digital, electrical power, mechanical systems, engine components and Systems Customer Services. www.geaviationsystems.com

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