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

Rising airline jet fuel costs could affect UK aerospace investment and regional routes
BGS extends fuelling partnership with Ryanair
Rising airline jet fuel costs could affect UK aerospace investment and regional routes
Higher airline fuel costs could affect aircraft investment, maintenance demand and UK regional air services, despite strong aerospace order backlogs.
Aerospace

21 Oct 2026

UK Government and industry to open job and training opportunities
Aerospace SME using AI to win defence contracts
UK Government and industry to open job and training opportunities
Young people are to benefit from thousands more routes into skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training.
Aerospace Defence Security

21 Oct 2026

Solar radiation event highlights need for improved aviation monitoring, study finds
On October 2, 2014, NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) captured a powerful solar flare alongside a coronal mass ejection (CME).
Solar radiation event highlights need for improved aviation monitoring, study finds
The event was triggered by a rare X5-class solar flare, which sent a burst of energetic particles from the Sun into Earth’s atmosphere in November 2025.
Aerospace

21 Oct 2026

UK Government and industry to open job and training opportunities
Aerospace SME using AI to win defence contracts
UK Government and industry to open job and training opportunities
Young people are to benefit from thousands more routes into skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training.
Aerospace Defence Security

21 Oct 2026

How will RAF Typhoons help defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi drones and missiles?
RAF Typhoon at RIAT 2025. Khalem Chapman
How will RAF Typhoons help defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi drones and missiles?
RAF Typhoon FGR4s will deploy to undertake defensive counter-air missions in support of Saudi Arabia, but how will the multi-role fighter be used to help counter rising Houthi drone and missile attacks?
Aerospace Defence Security

21 Oct 2026

First Light Fusion selected by Dstl for landmark hypervelocity impact research programme
First Light Fusion
First Light Fusion selected by Dstl for landmark hypervelocity impact research programme
The Oxford-based company will generate data on how graphite behaves under extreme impact conditions, using facilities originally developed to support its fusion energy ambitions.
Defence Member News

21 Oct 2026

Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Aurora - Flight 61, Scout Space - High Altitude
Newquay could host twice-daily space flights under new plan
Spaceport Cornwall and Dawn Aerospace are exploring plans to bring reusable spaceplane operations to Newquay, with ambitions for twice-daily flights to the edge of space.
Aerospace Space

20 Oct 2026

Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
United Kingdom backs new space strategy with £7.8 billion to counter orbital threats and strengthen satellite capabilities
Space war could emerge within five years as satellite threats grow, expert warns
A military conflict in space could emerge within the next five years as countries…
Security Space

20 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

UK Government and industry to open job and training opportunities
Aerospace SME using AI to win defence contracts
UK Government and industry to open job and training opportunities
Young people are to benefit from thousands more routes into skilled careers in some of Britain’s fastest-growing industries, as government and businesses join forces to expand apprenticeships, work experience and training.
Aerospace Defence Security

21 Oct 2026

How will RAF Typhoons help defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi drones and missiles?
RAF Typhoon at RIAT 2025. Khalem Chapman
How will RAF Typhoons help defend Saudi Arabia from Houthi drones and missiles?
RAF Typhoon FGR4s will deploy to undertake defensive counter-air missions in support of Saudi Arabia, but how will the multi-role fighter be used to help counter rising Houthi drone and missile attacks?
Aerospace Defence Security

21 Oct 2026

More than 60 defence firms showcase export-ready capabilities at MOD-backed event
Image: MOD Crown Copyright
More than 60 defence firms showcase export-ready capabilities at MOD-backed event
International delegations from over 20 countries attended MES 26, where more than 60 British defence firms demonstrated military engineering capabilities spanning demining, force protection and survivability.
Defence Security

20 Oct 2026