Gulfstream Demonstrates Fly-By-Wireless Aircraft Control System

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has successfully demonstrated aircraft control using “Fly-By-Wireless” technology. This historic flight, which took place on Sept. 18, is the first known application of wireless signaling for a primary flight-control surface in a civilian or military aircraft.

During a two-hour flight over Savannah, four distinct signal types transferred input from the pilot to the lateral controls on the Gulfstream GV test aircraft. A mechanical system controlled the ailerons; a Fly-By-Wire system manipulated the outboard spoilers; the Fly-By-Wireless system handled the mid-spoilers; and a fiber-optic Fly-By-Light system moved the inboard spoilers.

“After developing the Fly-By-Wire system, the next goal for Gulfstream was to reduce the complexity and weight of that system without sacrificing safety or reliability,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “This Fly-By-Wireless flight proved we achieved that goal. There was no difference in signal quality or strength among Fly-By-Wireless, Fly-By-Light or Fly-By-Wire. That benefit, combined with the streamlined profile of Fly-By-Wireless, makes it a potential backup for other flight-control systems.”

The Fly-By-Wireless control system was developed by Gulfstream and Invocon, a system-engineering firm near Houston. It offers an additional channel of communication for redundancy, which increases system safety. Gulfstream is reviewing the benefits of wireless technology for applications beyond backup flight control.

Source: Gulfstream