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

 EasyJet signals support for £5.5bn Castlelake takeover offer following improved bid 
Easyjet Airbus A320neo
 EasyJet signals support for £5.5bn Castlelake takeover offer following improved bid 
EasyJet has agreed in principle to a £5.5bn takeover by Castlelake after an improved offer, paving the way for a formal bid in August.
Aerospace

6 Jul 2026

Farnborough Airport names Marine Eugène CEO as Simon Geere becomes executive chair
Farnborough Airport with business jets parked on the apron
Farnborough Airport names Marine Eugène CEO as Simon Geere becomes executive chair
Marine Eugène will become Group CEO of Farnborough Airport on 1 September as Simon Geere moves into an executive chair role after more than six years leading the business aviation airport.
Aerospace

5 Jul 2026

Bristow Group acquires Berry Aviation as it shifts further into government services
Bristow Group helicopter in flight
Bristow Group acquires Berry Aviation as it shifts further into government services
Bristow Group’s $105 million acquisition of Berry Aviation will add defence, ISR, mission support and unmanned systems capabilities to its Government Services business.
Red Arrows salute America at 250 with spectacular New York flypast
Red Arrows fly over the Statue of Liberty during US 250th celebrations on July 4
Red Arrows salute America at 250 with spectacular New York flypast
The RAF Red Arrows joined military aircraft from around the world for a spectacular flypast over New York Harbor celebrating the US 250th anniversary.
Defence

6 Jul 2026

DIP decoded: How the Defence Investment Plan will reshape the Royal Navy
Royal Navy drone boat
DIP decoded: How the Defence Investment Plan will reshape the Royal Navy
The Defence Investment Plan sets out a new direction for the Royal Navy, combining nuclear deterrence, shipbuilding, naval infrastructure and autonomous systems to create a more resilient hybrid fleet for the decades ahead.
Defence Most Read

6 Jul 2026

DIP decoded: What the Defence Investment Plan means for the British Army
British Army drones and the defence investment plan
DIP decoded: What the Defence Investment Plan means for the British Army
The Defence Investment Plan signals a major shift for the British Army, directing future investment towards long-range fires, drones, artificial intelligence, digital targeting and the industrial capacity needed to sustain prolonged operations.
Defence Most Read

5 Jul 2026

BAE Systems’ Endura demos radiation-hardened capability for space missions
BAE Systems’ Endura demos radiation-hardened capability for space missions
BAE Systems has successfully demonstrated the ability of its Endura system-on-chip (Soc) space processor…
Space

29 Jun 2026

BAE Systems to build high-res imagery satellites for Vantor
BAE Systems to build high-res imagery satellites for Vantor
BAE Systems has entered into an agreement to build high-resolution imaging satellite buses for Vantor, a provider of unified spatial intelligence from space to ground.
Space

25 Jun 2026

ADS appoints Matthew Reynolds as CIO
ADS appoints Matthew Reynolds as CIO
ADS Group - parent organisation of trade association ADS and Farnborough International - has appointed Matthew Reynolds as its Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Aerospace Defence Events Security ...

19 Jun 2026

Smiths Detection completes transition to CVC Capital Partners
Smiths Detection completes transition to CVC Capital Partners
Smiths Detection completes transition to CVC Capital Partners
Smiths Detection has completed its transition from Smiths Group to CVC Capital Partners (CVC), a private markets investment firm.
Aerospace Security

1 Jul 2026

Serbus acquires Westica
Serbus acquires Westica
Serbus acquires Westica
Provider of secure Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) networking and communication solutions, Serbus, has acquired Westica Communications Limited (Westica), for an undisclosed sum.
Defence Security

30 Jun 2026

CAA warns of risks posed by incorrectly packed batteries
Pack right. Safe Flight. CAA
CAA warns of risks posed by incorrectly packed batteries
Ahead of the big summer getaway where over 60 million people are expected to…
Aerospace Security

26 Jun 2026