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

How extreme heat is disrupting aircraft operations – and what we can do about it
NATS photo of a sunset
How extreme heat is disrupting aircraft operations – and what we can do about it
Extreme heat can affect everything from take-off performance and turbulence to ground operations. As temperatures rise, airlines, airports and regulators are adapting to a hotter operating environment.
Aerospace

7 Aug 2026

GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
This digital rendering shows both GA-ASI's uncrewed MQ-9B and Gambit 6 platforms launching a swarm of MBDA-built SPEAR missiles during a mission. Image: GA-ASI
GA-ASI, MBDA to integrate SPEAR weapons onto MQ-9B and Gambit 6 drones
General Atomics and MBDA have teamed up to integrate the SPEAR missile family onto uncrewed MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Gambit 6 aircraft as part of a new agreement.
Apollo agrees £5.7bn easyJet takeover deal as Castlelake walks away
easyJet Airbus A320neo taking off
Apollo agrees £5.7bn easyJet takeover deal as Castlelake walks away
easyJet’s board has backed Apollo’s £7.15-a-share proposal after Castlelake stepped aside, but shareholder, regulatory and court approvals are still required.
Aerospace Most Read

6 Aug 2026

First MEWSIC electronic warfare system delivered to the MoD as Royal Navy capability advances
An F-35B landing on HMS Prince of Wales, one of the Royal Navy wearships on which MEWSIC is set to be installed. Image: U.K. MoD © Crown copyright 2024
First MEWSIC electronic warfare system delivered to the MoD as Royal Navy capability advances
The first production MEWSIC electronic warfare system has been delivered to the UK MoD, advancing the Royal Navy's next-generation electronic warfare capability.
Defence

7 Aug 2026

RAF Typhoons scrambled 49 times during NATO Air Policing mission in Romania
A Typhoon FGR4 (serial ZK364) from the RAF's No 3(F) Squadron taxis to the runway at the 86th Air Base in Borcea, Romania, before launching for a 'Tango' QRA training scramble on 7 April 2026. Image: MOD Crown Copyright/AS1 Ben Webb
RAF Typhoons scrambled 49 times during NATO Air Policing mission in Romania
After 49 Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) scrambles and 1,500 alert hours, British Typhoons have concluded their latest deployment in support of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing (eAP) mission in Romania.
Defence Most Read

7 Aug 2026

What UK SMEs need to know about the GCAP Tempest fighter programme
BAE Systems Tempest with loyal wingman drones
What UK SMEs need to know about the GCAP Tempest fighter programme
How the GCAP/Tempest programme seeks to harness the innovative power of hundreds of high-tech SMEs and start up companies across Britain.
Defence

7 Aug 2026

MDA Space to provide lunar landing sensors for ESA’s Argonaut mission
MDA Space secures contract for ESA Argonaut mission
MDA Space to provide lunar landing sensors for ESA’s Argonaut mission
Advanced 3D sensors from MDA Space UK are set to help the European Space Agency's Argonaut spacecraft land safely on the Moon.
Member News Space

6 Aug 2026

SSTL racks up smart storage solution
SSTL racks up smart storage solution
A smart racking solution from Altus has helped Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) integrate its materials management processes.
Member News Space

5 Aug 2026

Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
Seraphim Space deploys first capital from £137m C share raise
The investments have been made in businesses involved in key areas that are driving the next phase of growth within the space sector.
Member News Space

4 Aug 2026

Breakthrough UK device to combat global prison drug epidemic
foster+freeman drug detection tool for prisons
Breakthrough UK device to combat global prison drug epidemic
Designed to instantly detect synthetic cannabinoids smuggled into secure facilities, the rapid detection tool - invented in Bath and manufactured in the West Midlands - is set for immediate global export.
Security

7 Aug 2026

New retail crime reporting technology helps Met Police bring shoplifters to justice
New Scotland Yard sign
New retail crime reporting technology helps Met Police bring shoplifters to justice
The Metropolitan Police have introduced new technology to help officers identify, arrest and prosecute more shoplifters.
Security

6 Aug 2026

NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
UK Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons tax on the runway of Borcea Air Base in Romania. The UK Royal Air Force has concluded its NATO enhanced Air Policing deployment (eAP) safeguarding NATO airspace on the Alliance's south-eastern flank.
NATO moves beyond air policing as Black Sea defence mission evolves
The completion of the RAF’s latest deployment to Romania marks more than another fighter rotation, as NATO integrates traditional air policing into a broader defensive network built to counter missiles, drones and increasingly complex threats.