Elevating Aviation: The Power Of Fully Integrated Controls Solutions

Imagine the increased confidence among pilots if airplane controls seamlessly blended their intuition with next-generation technology. BAE Systems is innovating flight critical control systems that allow for the optimal performance of aircraft.
Our company has dedicated more than 40 years to advancing flight-critical control systems, leading to ground-breaking innovations in fly-by-wire technology, active pilot controls, engine controls, and power management. Our core technologies have led to new advancements that are helping our customers and partners demonstrate more electric aircraft, a technology that is revolutionizing aviation by reducing carbon and noise emissions while opening new possibilities for travel modes.
At the heart of this is our advanced fly-by-wire control system, which is the operational center of the aircraft. In addition to the flight control computers, BAE Systems provides and integrates active control sidesticks, remote electronic units and actuator control units, thereby providing a complete stick-to-surface solution.
We are the only supplier of certified active control sidesticks – often called active sticks which give immediate, and intuitive, sensory feedback based on the pilot’s hand and finger movements. The change in the stick's feel advises the pilot how to respond to any given situation – warning them of structural or aerodynamic operating challenge and giving them improved situational awareness to maintain a safe and stable flight.
We were the first to certify a fly-by-wire flight control system on the F-16 and F-18 aircraft in 1976. Since then, we have been selected on nearly all modern military aircraft flying in the US and UK. Under our three brands (BAE Systems, and joint ventures FADEC International and FADEC Alliance) our full authority digital electronic engine controls (FADECs) can be found on all GE Aerospace commercial engines flying today. We currently have FADECs on more than 40,000 engines in service on both military and commercial aircraft. Our FADECs play a critical role in modern aircraft by precisely managing engine functions to optimize efficiency, responsiveness, and safety. They enable coordinated communication between propulsion and airframe controls, allowing for real-time adjustments that enhance aircraft stability, manoeuvrability, and fault tolerance.
BAE Systems’ technology has been refined and honed over decades through a sustained focus on our core knowledge of flight and engine controls. For our customers, this means less integration time for the aircraft. Integrating more controls from the experts who dedicate their careers to advancing this technology not only simplifies the process for customers, but our proven, reliable, and previously certified systems reduce customer risk. The end user then experiences the benefits of seamless technology integration, from pilot input to surface response, resulting in smoother flights, and reduced fuel emissions.
BAE Systems is at the forefront of the future of flight, and our innovative, synchronized systems will have the aviation industry soaring higher than ever.
In case you missed it check out our return to Paris Air Show and hear more about our innovations here.