In the world of aviation, technology plays a crucial role in enhancing aircraft performance, capabilities, and readiness. Recently, BAE Systems, a leading aerospace and defense company, has been selected by Boeing to upgrade the fly-by-wire flight control computers for the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. This technology refresh aims to increase processing power, enhance cyber and product security, address obsolescence issues, and support sustainment well into the future.
As the original manufacturer of the flight control computers for both aircraft, BAE Systems brings over 40 years of experience in developing and integrating flight control technology for military and commercial platforms. The upgraded FCCs will feature common core electronics that support the quad-redundant fly-by-wire flight control systems, providing the safety, reliability, robustness, and performance needed for the missions of these advanced platforms.
The fly-by-wire flight control computers efficiently manage aircraft flight by processing pilot inputs, monitoring real-time aircraft movement conditions via on-board sensors, and transmitting commands to actuators that move the control surfaces. The redundant flight control system, along with the flight control laws, enables the pilot to maintain controlled operation across demanding flight regimes and multiple loadout configurations. In case of a failure or battle damage, the flight control system can reconfigure how it controls the aircraft by mixing the remaining control surfaces differently, ensuring the pilot can focus more on the mission and less on flying the aircraft.
BAE Systems‘ advanced flight-critical solution ensures that these platforms will maintain fleet readiness now and in the future. The company’s high-integrity flight control product roadmap, built upon technology investments and used across multiple recent military airborne platform flight control upgrades, will be leveraged to modernize the FCC electronics hardware and software for the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. Additionally, the F/A-18E/F FCC will receive an additional processor to enable future capabilities for the fleet.
The flight control upgrade will be conducted at BAE Systems‘ state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing facility in Endicott, New York. This facility is equipped with the latest technology and expertise to ensure the successful integration of the upgraded flight control computers into the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft.
In conclusion, the technology refresh by BAE Systems will not only increase processing power but also enhance the overall performance, capabilities, and readiness of the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. By providing next-generation solutions and ensuring fleet readiness now and in the future, BAE Systems continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing aerospace technology and supporting the missions of advanced military platforms.