Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems to upgrade F-15EX and F/A-18E/F flight control computers

Defence

BAE Systems to upgrade F-15EX and F/A-18E/F flight control computers

BAE Systems has been selected by Boeing to upgrade the fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control computers (FCC) for the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft.

Image courtesy BAE Systems

The FCCs feature common core electronics that support the quad-redundant FBW flight control systems (FCS), providing the safety, reliability, robustness, and performance needed for the missions of these advanced platforms.
 
As the original manufacturer of the FCCs for both aircraft, BAE Systems will modernize the FCC electronics hardware and software to increase processing power, enhance cyber and product security, address obsolescence issues, and support sustainment well into the future. The upgraded FCC will leverage the company’s high-integrity flight control product roadmap, built upon technology investments, and used across multiple recent military airborne platform flight control upgrades. The F/A-18E/F FCC will also receive an additional processor to enable future capabilities for the fleet.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
"BAE Systems is a leader in high-integrity controls and this upgrade reflects our commitment to providing our customers with next-generation solutions,” said Corin Beck, senior director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our advanced flight-critical solution ensures that these platforms will maintain fleet readiness now, and in the future, as well as provisions the aircraft to support the integration of new functions.”
 
Advertisement
Amentum rectangle

These computers efficiently manage aircraft flight by processing pilot inputs, monitoring real-time aircraft movement conditions via on-board sensors, and transmitting commands to actuators that move the control surfaces. The redundant FCS, along with the flight control laws, enables the pilot to maintain controlled operation across the demanding flight regime and multiple loadout configurations. Additionally, the FCS can reconfigure how it controls the aircraft in case of a failure or battle damage by mixing the remaining control surfaces differently. The advanced FBW FCS allows the pilot to focus more on the mission and less on flying the aircraft.
 
BAE Systems has more than 40 years of experience developing and integrating flight control technology for military and commercial platforms. This flight control upgrade will be conducted at the company’s advanced engineering and manufacturing facility in Endicott, New York.

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Solus Power secures DASA contract to develop Kratos

Defence

Solus Power secures DASA contract to develop Kratos

1 September 2025

Solus Power has secured a contract with the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop its novel, dual-use battery technology, ‘Kratos’.

BAE Systems rolls out latest combat vehicle for Czech Army

Defence Events

BAE Systems rolls out latest combat vehicle for Czech Army

29 August 2025

The first CV9030 MkIV infantry fighting vehicle for the Army of the Czech Republic was officially unveiled yesterday at a rollout ceremony at BAE Systems Hägglunds in Sweden.

GA-ASI teams with USAF on YFQ-42A CCA flight testing

Defence

GA-ASI teams with USAF on YFQ-42A CCA flight testing

29 August 2025

The YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designed and developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), is now conducting flight testing in coordination with the US Air Force (USAF).

AAR enters distribution agreement with AmSafe Bridport

Defence

AAR enters distribution agreement with AmSafe Bridport

29 August 2025

Provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs and OEMs, AAR, has signed a new multiyear defence distribution agreement with AmSafe Bridport.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Galvion hits 1.25m helmets milestone

Defence Security Events

Galvion hits 1.25m helmets milestone

28 August 2025

Galvion has reached a significant head system sales milestone with over 1.25 million helmets ordered by NATO and allied customers.

IrvinGQ to supply advanced A400M Aerial Delivery System

Defence

IrvinGQ to supply advanced A400M Aerial Delivery System

28 August 2025

Up to 20 skilled manufacturing jobs have been secured for the next decade at IrvinGQ in Bridgend, Wales, after the company won a £25 million contract to enhance the capability of the UK’s Atlas A400M military aircraft via an Aerial Delivery System.

Advertisement
Amentum rectangle