An Electro-Mechanical Actuator for General Aviation Aircraft

Document Number: 2007-01-3900

Date Published: September 2007

Author(s):
S. Hesse - Univ. of Stuttgart
G. Konrad - Univ. of Stuttgart
Reinhard Reichel - Univ. of Stuttgart
Ingolf Schaefer - Harmonic Drive AG
P. Bourlier - Harmonic Drive AG
M. Buff - Harmonic Drive AG

Abstract:
The Institute of Aircraft Systems at the University of Stuttgart, Germany is developing an Easy Control System (ECS), with the primary goal to make General Aviation aircraft capable to cover the needs of future individual traffic. Objectives of the ECS are a significant reduction of pilot workload, an increase in safety and an increase in aircraft performance by providing all-time easy and safe handling qualities with advanced control and protection functions. Due to the focus of applicability in General Aviation aircraft and corresponding certification efforts the ECS requires the development of a highly integrated, absolutely safety critical, all-electric full fly-by-wire platform with low-risk investment capability for both supplier and customer. One of the primary elements of this platform is an electromechanical actuator driving the aerodynamic control surfaces of the aircraft. Based on requirements defined by the Institute of Aircraft Systems, a prototype of this actuator was developed by the Harmonic Drive AG.

This paper describes the main features and challenges in developing the actuator prototype. After a short introduction of the ECS and overview over the requirements, the design of the prototype by its technical features is presented. Furthermore first test results of the actuator are shown.

File Size: 838K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at AeroTech Congress & Exhibition, September 2007, Los Angeles, CA, USA, Session: Guidance Navigation & Flight Controls

Purchase more technical papers and save! With TechSelect, you decide what SAE Technical Papers you need, when you need them, and how much you want to pay. Learn more >