BAE Systems Develops Civil Aircraft Active Control Stick

BAE Systems is migrating “active inceptor” control technology from military aircraft to civil applications–enabling direct pilot inputs into the flight controls of commercial fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft. The UK-based company is developing its civil active control stick (ACS) for an unnamed commercial launch customer.

Active inceptor technology was developed for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and JAS 39 Gripen fighters and the UH-60 and CH-53 helicopters. Active control sticks also will be implemented on the Embraer KC-390 military transport, which is being developed for dual military and civil certifications. The KC-390 is expected to enter service in 2016.