BAE Systems has been chosen by Boeing to upgrade the flight control computers (FCCs) for the F-15EX Eagle II and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, according to a press release from BAE Systems.
The upgrade aims to enhance the aircraft’s performance, capabilities, and readiness by increasing processing power and improving overall system robustness.
As the original manufacturer of the FCCs for both aircraft, BAE Systems will modernise the electronics hardware and software. The company claims that this will “increase processing power, enhance cyber and product security, address obsolescence issues, and support sustainment well into the future.”
Notably, the upgrade for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet will include an additional processor, which BAE Systems says will enable future capabilities for the fleet.
BAE Systems also pointed to its extensive experience in flight control technology, stating that this latest upgrade is part of their “high-integrity flight control product roadmap.” The FCCs play a crucial role in managing aircraft flight by processing pilot inputs, monitoring real-time conditions via on-board sensors, and transmitting commands to control the aircraft’s movements.
The system is designed to ensure safety and reliability, with the ability to reconfigure controls in the event of failure or battle damage.
Corin Beck, senior director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems, commented in the release, “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.”
The upgrades are set to be carried out at BAE Systems’ facility in Endicott, New York, which the company describes as a state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing hub.
The press release positions this contract as a continuation of BAE Systems’ long-standing role in providing flight control solutions for both military and commercial platforms, with the company boasting over 40 years of experience in this field.
To be clear this is BAE Systems Inc. which is run as an entirely separate company from its parent. The facility doing this work used to be Lockheed Martin Control Systems before its sale in 2000. BAE Systems Inc. does almost all BAES’ work for the Pentagon.
I mean its not totally separate, given its a subsidiary. But yes U.S export controls mean the UK based parent only sees financials not technical details.
That’s why I specifically said “IS RUN as a totally separate company”. I thought that was perfectly clear. My apologies to any who were unable to follow.
You have to be impressed with the F15 even now with the age of Stealth. Mach 2.5, 30,000lb load and even the main pic shows a rather impressive missile load.
I don’t “have to be impressed.”
😀
the F-15EX is an incredible aircraft. I saw it at RIAT and it stole the show. the original f-15 didn’t have fly-by-wire but this one does and even more powerful engines- i had no idea an aircraft without thrust vectoring could do such things. it can also carry up to 22 A/A missiles and outsized loads like hypersonic, has AESA, new defensive suite which sounded incredible etc. hard to believe but a 50 year old platform is probably the best non-stealth fighter aircraft on the planet right now.
I pretty much agree.
The Americans sure do get the most out of their designs.