BAE Systems and Supernal Join Forces to Innovate Electric Aircraft Flight Control Solutions
BAE Systems and Supernal have reached a collaboration to create and engineer the flight control computer for Supernal’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
To back Supernal, BAE Systems will assist in defining the framework of a lightweight, fly-by-wire system for its autonomous-capable drones. These fly-by-wire mechanisms will securely and efficiently manage the aircraft during its journey.
“The creation of sophisticated, high-integrity control systems is vital to satisfy the requirements of electric aviation,” stated Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems is capitalizing on its investment in electrification and knowledge in flight-critical systems to propel eco-friendly aviation forward. We eagerly anticipate partnering with Supernal to transform this joint vision into reality.”
This next-generation solution will be a compact offering that fulfills the processing prerequisites and potential autonomy demands of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) vehicles. It will also possess the versatility to meet the distinct integration hurdles associated with electric air taxis and larger regional electric aircraft.
“As a prominent aerospace and defense technology innovator, BAE Systems will be essential for Supernal as we develop our eVTOL vehicle to adhere to the highest standards of commercial aviation,” commented Ben Diachun, chief technology officer at Supernal. “Collectively, we will construct a tailored flight control system that brings Advanced Air Mobility one stride closer to being accessible to the general public in the upcoming decades.”
The initiative will utilize over 40 years of BAE Systems’ proficiency in designing and certifying flight-critical fly-by-wire systems for both commercial and military aircraft, including vertical takeoff platforms. Operations related to the flight control system will be carried out at the company’s cutting-edge facility in Endicott, New York.
