At this year’s Paris Air Show, Diehl Aviation is joining WITTENSTEIN motion control to present an fully-electric Flight Control Demonstrator. The system’s timing chain is integrated end-to-end, from the input by the pilots to the movement of the control surface. And the system has no hydraulic components, making it less complex.
The Demonstrator provides a realistic, functionally consistent scenario for an all-electric flight control system: a powerful, scalable alternative to conventional control systems that also rely on hydraulic components. The system is modular and can be adapted to various plattforms—from air taxis to business jets and regional aircraft to uncrewed systems—depending on the performance class required.
All control movements are implemented automatically by precisely regulated electromotors. The result: a closed system capable of redundancy that gets by without hydraulics and requires only a needs-based power supply. At the same time, the system meets the highest standards for safety, diagnosability, and certifiability - while weighing less than hydraulic solutions.
Complete system with integrated control circuit
The Demonstrator includes:
- an ergonomic pilot input unit with integrated sensor technology (flight control stick),
- a powerful flight control computer (FCC) for handling processing and control in real time,
- electromechanical Smart Actuators by WITTENSTEIN motion control with integrated sensor technology, power electronics, and diagnostic capabilities,
- as well as a mechanical termination element for visualizing the control surface movement.
About Diehl Aviation
Diehl Aviation is a global partner for the aviation industry. The supplier is recognized as a pioneer that drives innovation and shapes the future of flying. Diehl Aviation aims to make travel safer and more comfortable, save valuable resources and present ground-breaking solutions to customers in all business areas. Diehl Aviation (including Diehl Aerospace, a joint venture with Thales) is a leading supplier of avionics, aircraft systems and cabin solutions and currently has over 5,200 employees. Its customers include leading aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer, as well as military partners, manufacturers of eVTOL aircraft, and airlines and operators of commercial and business aircraft worldwide.
About WITTENSTEIN motion control
Drive-Systems for the most demanding environments.
WITTENSTEIN motion control develops, manufactures, and supplies servo motors, gearboxes, electronics, and software for customized systems designed to perform in the most challenging environmental conditions. Our engineering expertise and integrated manufacturing excellence ensures that our technologies meet the requirements of our customers.
Our innovative solutions are defined by maximum performance, durability, and reliability—qualities that are essential in aerospace, defense, simulation technology, subsea applications, and safety-critical software.