Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems providing ACUs for JetZero demonstrator

Defence

BAE Systems providing ACUs for JetZero demonstrator

BAE Systems will provide and integrate actuator control units (ACUs) for JetZero's next-generation blended wing body aircraft demonstrator, which is designed to deliver enhanced energy efficiency and reduced emissions.

Image courtesy JetZero

As part of the flight control system, BAE Systems' ACUs interpret flight control signals, including pilot commands from active control sticks, which the company will also provide for the demonstrator.

The advanced ACUs function as remote actuators within a distributed flight control system. The units' localised flight surface management capabilities deliver enhanced flight control with reliable, precise coordination and responsiveness.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"Our mature, highly capable actuator control units play a vital role in our shared vision of sustainable aviation with JetZero, seamlessly integrating with the flight control system," said Gary Battestin, director of Air Transport Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. "This technology enhances overall flight performance, supporting a cleaner and more efficient future for air travel."

By providing both the ACUs and the pilot control inceptors, BAE Systems will minimise the integration time for the aircraft. The actuation controllers are proven, reliable and previously certified systems that reduce customer risk, reinforcing the company's leadership in stick-to-surface flight control solutions, from pilot input to surface response.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

The ACUs will be designed and produced at the company's facilities in Endicott, New York and Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Ajax wins Global Project Controls Award

Defence Events

Ajax wins Global Project Controls Award

21 November 2025

The UK’s Ajax armoured fighting vehicle programme has been recognised for excellence in project delivery at the Global Project Controls Expo Awards.

Tyron Runflat appoints Dr Stuart Turner as Director

Defence Security

Tyron Runflat appoints Dr Stuart Turner as Director

21 November 2025

As it enters a new phase of growth and business expansion, Tyron Runflat is welcoming the latest addition to its team with the appointment of technically experienced Director, Dr Stuart Turner.

Spaceflux awarded UK Government space surveillance and tracking contracts

Defence Security Space

Spaceflux awarded UK Government space surveillance and tracking contracts

20 November 2025

UK-based specialist in space domain awareness (SDA) and space intelligence, Spaceflux Ltd, has won all three major multimillion-pound, multiyear UK government contracts to provide advanced space surveillance and tracking (SST) data across multiple orbital regimes.

QinetiQ and Forcys partner on Australian maritime security

Defence Security

QinetiQ and Forcys partner on Australian maritime security

20 November 2025

QinetiQ and Forcys have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability in maritime assurance, ensuring undersea and autonomous systems are safe, reliable and ready for operation.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers

Aerospace Defence

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers' productivity

20 November 2025

UK manufacturers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seeing tangible benefits, including a positive impact on productivity and increases in profitability, according to new research.

UK government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories

Defence

UK government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories

19 November 2025

Multiple sites across the UK for new factories to make munitions and military explosives to boost the UK’s warfighting readiness have been identified as the government moves to the next phase of building the factories of the future.

Advertisement
ODU RT