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2020-09-01

Collins Aerospace to Design Actuation System for Supersonic Jet

Supersonic aircraft company, Aerion, a leader in supersonic technology, recently announced it has selected Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp., for the development of the moveable leading edge actuation system, elevons actuation system, horizontal stabilizer actuation system and the rudder actuation system for the AS2 supersonic business jet.

“The very nature of supersonic travel presents some unique challenges when it comes to designing reliable and precise systems to guide the aircraft – and we are eager to address them head-on as part of the Aerion team. Collins Aerospace has a long history in advancing complex actuation systems for both commercial and military platforms, and we look forward to continuing this legacy with the AS2,” said Ed Dryden, vice president Actuation Systems, Collins Aerospace.

Aerion’s pursuit of faster point-to-point travel begins with the launch of the AS2 supersonic business jet, which will commence production in 2023. Designed to be environmentally responsible from first flight, the AS2 will reportedly be the first supersonic aircraft designed with the ability to accept 100 per cent synthetic fuel and reach supersonic speeds without the need for an afterburner.

Aerion is one of the first aircraft OEMs to commit to a goal of carbon neutrality. This commitment has led to a lot of firsts such as the fact that it will be the first OEM to plan for truly carbon-neutral operations via carbon reduction strategies (not just financial offsets).

Moreover, the AS2 will be the first commercial aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds over land with no noise on the ground. This is a challenging feat requiring revolutionary aircraft design and an incredibly efficient supersonic engine from GE Aviation — the Affinity Engine.

Also, Aerion’s BOOMLESS CRUISE technology is possible at speeds approaching Mach 1.2, depending on atmospheric conditions like air temperature and wind. The company is currently working with certifying authorities to approve this unmatched cruise capability.

The manufacture of 300 AS2’s is planned for the first decade of production. The AS2 will be the first aircraft to be assembled at the company’s new global headquarters in Melbourne, Florida – Aerion Park. The state-of-the-art development – powered by clean energy – will incorporate headquarters operations plus an integrated campus for research, design, build, and support of the company’s supersonic aircraft.

Sustainable supersonic flight will revolutionise global mobility and bring humanity up to speed with the accelerated rate of modern business and culture.

Future of Actuation

Collins Aerospace is a leading expert in fly-by-wire, hydraulic and electrohydraulic actuation design, and offers a complete line of actuation products that enhance aircraft performance and reduce pilot workload. The AS2 flight controls will be developed and designed from Collins Aerospace’s Actuation System centres of excellence in Wolverhampton, in the UK, and Vernon in France.

Collins Aerospace actuation products provide the fundamental, vital and operational capabilities that can make flights safer and more efficient. Innovative actuation solutions use lightweight, durable materials to power and control an aircraft.

The company is renowned for delivering systems that are at the forefront of design, manufacture, test and product certification. It offers a wide range of actuation products, including Primary flight controls (fixed wing and rotorcraft), Trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator, High-lift systems, Nacelle actuation, Anti-ice valves, Composites, Utility actuation and Missile actuation.

Collins Aerospace can customise a solution to meet requirements for full or partial actuation systems. It also provides full system integration and testing to ensure reliable performance. The company invests in new technology developments, to deliver innovative solutions to meet challenges. Breakthroughs, such as electro-mechanical actuation, look toward the future of actuation. Also, Collins Aerospace is taking the lead in distributing flight control architecture to simplify the overall system design and decrease the overall weight of an aircraft.

Recently, Collins Aerospace Systems has been awarded a contract by BAE Systems to provide advanced actuation capabilities including for the UK’s Tempest next generation combat air system project.

Safety is a key consideration in all Collins Aerospace actuators. Multi-redundant architecture, in addition to 650 million+ flight hours of fly-by-wire experience, ensure that each product meets customer requirements. Furthermore, the company’s systems are backed up by a global network of MRO service and support facilities, as well as a round-the-clock customer response centre.

Reference Text/photo:

www.collinsaerospace.com

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