General Atomics

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.

"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.

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

Related

Stansted Airport reports record-breaking September
London Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport reports record-breaking September
Having experienced its busiest ever summer season, London Stansted has gone on to post record-breaking passenger numbers for September, surpassing the previous record set two years ago.
Aerospace

14 Oct 2026

UK drone companies ‘starved of oxygen’ after successful trials, warns Evolve Dynamics
The Wolfe drone by evolve dynamics, one of many made in the UK
UK drone companies ‘starved of oxygen’ after successful trials, warns Evolve Dynamics
British drone companies risk proving their technology only to find the orders needed to scale never arrive, Evolve Dynamics CEO Tom Redman has warned.
Virgin Atlantic becomes Green Cabin Alliance’s first Airline Allies member
Virgin Atlantic A330Neo cabin
Virgin Atlantic becomes Green Cabin Alliance’s first Airline Allies member
By joining the Airline Allies initiative, Virgin Atlantic will look to collaborate with other airlines, suppliers, manufacturers and technical teams, to explore how future cabin designs can be made safer and more sustainable.
Aerospace

14 Oct 2026

UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
UK Connect Defence's RBK
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
A new solution designed and manufactured in the UK, is set to deliver resilient integrated 5G and LEO satellite services broadband connectivity via a single rugged unit, connecting people, systems and services for defence, humanitarian and remote operations, with no external supporting infrastructure.
RAF Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons test ability to fight from dispersed bases
Ex AGILE OWL is taking place at RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks between the 5-9th October 2026. This exercise will build upon lessons identified during Ex AGILE WARRIOR and our ongoing Transition to Conflict initiatives, providing a valuable opportunity for collective training across station. The exercise is designed to test and evaluate our preparedness, resilience and ability to operate effectively as we continue to posture towards Ex STEADFAST DEFENDER 27. Exercise AGILE OWL will challenge individuals and teams to apply recent learning, validate procedures and identify further opportunities for improvement in a realistic operational environment.
RAF Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons test ability to fight from dispersed bases
RAF Coningsby and Lossiemouth tested their ability to sustain combat air operations from dispersed locations during Exercise Agile Owl.
Defence

14 Oct 2026

Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship towed into Devonport amid repair doubts
These are the voyages of HMS Protector , her 5 year deployment, to explore the Antarctica in support of UK interests
Royal Navy’s only ice patrol ship towed into Devonport amid repair doubts
Why the Royal Navy may be without an ice patrol ship for years even as it faces more demands in the High Atlantic and South Atlantic.
Defence

14 Oct 2026

UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
UK Connect Defence's RBK
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
A new solution designed and manufactured in the UK, is set to deliver resilient integrated 5G and LEO satellite services broadband connectivity via a single rugged unit, connecting people, systems and services for defence, humanitarian and remote operations, with no external supporting infrastructure.
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
Malta Mobile Command Centre and Laboratory
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
The University of Malta now has a mobile connected operational environment housing workstations, real-time data processing, live video streaming and drone deployment in a single vehicle, that can be deployed wherever it is needed.
Member News Security Space

14 Oct 2026

MDA Space receives investment from CSG to develop space capabilities
Earth from space.
MDA Space receives investment from CSG to develop space capabilities
Through its investment in MDA Space Ltd, CSG is establishing a presence in the space sector to complement its activities in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Member News Space

14 Oct 2026

UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
UK Connect Defence's RBK
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
A new solution designed and manufactured in the UK, is set to deliver resilient integrated 5G and LEO satellite services broadband connectivity via a single rugged unit, connecting people, systems and services for defence, humanitarian and remote operations, with no external supporting infrastructure.
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
Malta Mobile Command Centre and Laboratory
Excelerate delivers Malta Mobile Command Centre and Lab to the University of Malta
The University of Malta now has a mobile connected operational environment housing workstations, real-time data processing, live video streaming and drone deployment in a single vehicle, that can be deployed wherever it is needed.
Member News Security Space

14 Oct 2026

MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Sir Ken McCallum, MI5 chief giving annual threat update at Thames House
MI5 warns UK defence businesses to strengthen security
Defence suppliers and critical infrastructure operators must strengthen protection against sabotage, cyber attacks and drone threats, MI5 chief Sir Ken McCallum has warned.
Defence Security

13 Oct 2026