Electronic engine control for Airbus A400M transport

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology

ISSN: 0002-2667

Article publication date: 1 March 2006

343

Keywords

Citation

(2006), "Electronic engine control for Airbus A400M transport", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778bab.006

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited


Electronic engine control for Airbus A400M transport

Electronic engine control for Airbus A400M transport

Keywords: Aircraft engines, Military aircraft

BAE Systems, in partnership with Hispano-Suiza (SAFRAN group), will develop the full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for EuroProp International's TP400-D6 engine, slated to power the new Airbus A400M military transport. The control, derived from the “FADEC 3” control design, will manage critical functions for the A400M's four turboprop engines.

The FADEC will govern engine fuel flow and variable engine geometries, manage propeller blades (including synchrophasing), and perform other advanced functions. The TP400-D6 will be the first turboprop derivative of the FADEC 3, which is used on numerous commercial platforms. It controls the world's highest-thrust engine, the GE90-115B, which powers the extended-range Boeing 777-300. The FADEC 3 also is being qualified for upgraded versions of the C-5 Galaxy transport.

“The TP400 FADEC is based upon our latest generation of engine controls, which are the most powerful and versatile engine controls available, representing an order-of-magnitude increase in processing power over competing systems and continuing to set new standards in performance and customer satisfaction”, said Dennis Slattery, director of engine controls for BAE Systems. “We're proud to have been selected to develop a version of this control for the new Airbus transport. This award from Hispano-Suiza reinforces our partnership and reflects both companies sharing opportunities to grow together.”

Employing an Ethernet-based data communications network, the dual redundant control uses a flexible design approach that is easily expandable to accommodate new functions and future engine and aircraft applications. Advanced on- board monitoring provides enhanced diagnostic capability for the entire engine system.

Details available from: BAE Systems. Tel: +44 607-770-3944; Hispano- Suiza. Tel: +33 (0)1 41 30 50 14; Fax: 33 (0)1 41 30 54 12.

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