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
PTC rectangle

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

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
BAE Systems completes preliminary design review of USSF missile tracking system

Defence Space

BAE Systems completes preliminary design review of USSF missile tracking system

12 March 2026

BAE Systems has completed the Preliminary Design Review for the $1.2 billion US Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Resilient Missile Warning & Tracking (RMWT) – Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Epoch 2 programme to provide missile warning and tracking of advanced missile threats.

Torus alliance launched

Defence Events

Torus alliance launched

12 March 2026

Amentum, GXO, Accenture and Maersk have entered into an alliance to support the next generation of supply chain solutions to the UK Defence Sector, called Torus Defence Supply Chain.

Rolls-Royce strengthens PGZ partnership

Defence

Rolls-Royce strengthens PGZ partnership

12 March 2026

Rolls-Royce and the Polish defence technology group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. (PGZ) intend to intensify their cooperation in the field of propulsion technologies for military vehicles.

UK-first achieved in advanced materials

Aerospace Defence Space

UK-first achieved in advanced materials

11 March 2026

The UK has established its first sovereign manufacturing capability for ultrahigh temperature materials - vital for space, hypersonic and propulsion systems.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Thales launches SkyDefender

Defence

Thales launches SkyDefender

11 March 2026

Thales has today announced the launch of SkyDefender, a system providing an integral air and missile defence dome with artificial intelligence.

HRH The Princess Royal tours MTL Advanced in Rotherham

Aerospace Defence Events

HRH The Princess Royal tours MTL Advanced in Rotherham

10 March 2026

HRH The Princess Royal visited Rotherham based MTL Advanced (part of WEC Group) on Friday 20th February to meet apprentices, engineers and senior leadership, gaining an insight into the company’s continued investment in skills development, innovation and regional growth and learning about its new Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner