The state-of-the-art system will replace older, more complex hydraulic systems. It will reduce pilot workload, cost of ownership, maintenance, and weight while improving survivability, safety and aircraft handling and agility. The HEAT system, designed in a joint effort by AgustaWestland, BAE Systems, and Claverham, will replace the existing hydro-mechanical rotor control system on the EH101. It comprises two dual-lane flight control computers that will provide quadruple-redundant electronic control—enabling the system to function safely even if two of the systems were to fail. The fly-by-wire controls initially will interface with the pilot inceptors and actuators and eventually will replace the existing auto-stabilizer and auto-pilot functionality.

The system will expand the operational envelope of the aircraft for U.K. Royal Navy ship operations in adverse weather. It also will improve aircraft handling, enabling improved terrain following and masking and increased agility on the battlefield. The high reliability and low power dissipation of the HEAT flight control system will ensure the Merlin's ability to operate for long periods remote from landing bases.

BAE Systems is a trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company, delivering products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services.

RSS    Save to Del.icio.us  Digg This