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

Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports Oita MoU signing September 2026
Skyports partners with Oita Prefecture to develop Advanced Air Mobility network
Skyports Infrastructure has partnered with Oita Prefectural Government to explore routes, vertiport locations and future air taxi services ahead of a planned 2028 launch.
Aerospace Member News

4 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Heathrow expansion faces renewed opposition from London Mayor and Friends of the Earth
Heathrow third runway
Heathrow expansion faces renewed opposition from London Mayor and Friends of the Earth
London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Friends of the Earth have renewed their objections to the Heathrow expansion, as ministers continue reviewing plans for a third runway.
Aerospace

3 Sep 2026

Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
HMT
Supacat begins building HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia’s special forces
Supacat has started production of 18 HMT Extenda vehicles for Czechia's special forces, with deliveries due to begin in 2027.
Defence Member News

4 Sep 2026

GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
Simon Gray
GM Defence appoints Simon Gray as its UK Director of Business Development
GM Defence has appointed Simon Gray as Director of Business Development as it expands its UK presence and strengthens engagement with the MoD, Armed Forces and industry partners.
Defence Member News

4 Sep 2026

UK Armed Forces recruitment turnaround boosts pipeline of skilled workers
MoD Whitehall Building
UK Armed Forces recruitment turnaround boosts pipeline of skilled workers
The Armed Forces remains one of the UK’s leading routes into skilled careers, with opportunities across engineering, healthcare, cyber and digital roles.
Defence

4 Sep 2026

Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
Welsh flag
Wales aerospace, defence, security and space sectors add £2bn to economy
According to new ADS data, Wales’ aerospace, defence, security and space industries contributed £2 billion to the economy in 2025, and supported more than 18,500 highly skilled jobs.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
eFleet
BMT launches Maritime Autonomous Systems e-learning course
As autonomous technologies rapidly evolve and the autonomy skills gap widens, BMT's maritime autonomy specialists have developed a new e-learning course to cultivate broader understanding of autonomy beyond specialist engineering teams.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Earth from space.
Open Cosmos selected for UK satellite communications framework
Open Cosmos is to provide secure communications to the UK Government’s Tactical Communications (TacSys) framework, with the company’s LEO constellation supporting UK ambitions to build a resilient sovereign network to avoid reliance on mega-constellations.
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
RAF Fylingdales
Serco awarded RAF Fylingdales early warning radar contract
As part of the contract, a new software analytical tool developed by Serco - with the RAF and UK Space Command - is set to enhance RAF Fylingdales' detection and tracking system.