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Technology update
Hydraulic power for JSF
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Eaton Aerospace has been awarded a contract for the hydraulic
power-generation system for the Lockheed Martin JSF demonstrator.
Pictured here is the X-35A JSF demonstrator, which is scheduled to
fly later this summer.
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Eaton Aerospace has been awarded a contract for the hydraulic
power-generation system and utility actuation and control-valve subsystem
for the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) demonstrator. This
agreement includes the total design, development, and integration of the
hydraulic power system and involves the teaming efforts of all the
company's business units - Vickers Fluid Systems in Jackson, MS; Sterer
Engineering in Los Angeles, CA; Aeroquip in Jackson, MI; and Actuator
and Controls in Grand Rapids, MI. Key components of the system are
hydraulic pumps and motorpumps, reservoirs, manifolds, accumulators,
control valves, quick-disconnect couplings, and hydromechanical and
electromechanical actuators.
During the design and development of the JSF hydraulic power system,
Eaton Aerospace will perform a series of tests and simulations to
confirm the design concept. These simulations will validate the dynamic
operation of the hydraulic system during various flight phases, including
emergency conditions, and will focus on ensuring that system flow/pressure
demands are met at all required operating conditions, without exceeding
acceptable fluid temperatures.
Because of the program's affordability initiative, the company will focus
on developing a common production line with parts assembled at a
designated point specific to a particular JSF variant (conventional
takeoff and landing, carrier-based, or short takeoff and vertical landing
(STOVL)). For example, the lift/fan hydraulics, which will be unique to
the platform used by the U.S. Marine Corps, British Royal Navy, and Royal
Air Force, would be attached during engine assembly of the STOVL variant.
Prior to the contract award, Vickers Fluid Systems had to reduce
high-level system performance requirements to component-level detail
requirements. The system-level schematics were also developed to show
component function and interaction.
Frank Bokulich
Aerospace Engineering August 2000
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