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
Leonardo animated rectangle

"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
ODU RT

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

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

Defence

Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

19 December 2025

Saab UK has opened a new site in South West England dedicated to its Training & Simulation business unit. This expansion strengthens Saab’s ability to deliver advanced training solutions to the British Army.

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

Defence

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

19 December 2025

Patria and Germany have concluded two procurement contracts within the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

Defence

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

18 December 2025

Eight Australian and UK universities have become the founding members of a new Advanced Skills Alliance, to fast-track the skills and research needed to build security, defence and resilience capabilities.

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

Defence

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

18 December 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is leading a NATO research project called ‘Youth Perspective on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies’.

Advertisement
ODU RT
STS Defence awarded SDA contract for SCHM Phase 2

Defence

STS Defence awarded SDA contract for SCHM Phase 2

18 December 2025

STS Defence has been awarded a contract to further develop and demonstrate software algorithms for the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), following on from a previous Phase 1 project investigating Sensor Channel Health Monitoring (SCHM).

ESS and Royal Navy win Institute for Collaborative Working’s Chairman’s Award

Defence Events

ESS and Royal Navy win Institute for Collaborative Working’s Chairman’s Award

17 December 2025

Specialist provider of Facilities Management (FM) and foodservice to military establishments across the UK, ESS Defence, together with the Royal Navy, have won this year’s Institute for Collaborative Working Chairman’s Award.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB