FADEC International signs joint venture with GE to provide digital controls for LEAP engines

FADEC International (a BAE Systems and Sagem jointly-owned venture) has established a joint venture with GE to develop, produce, and support the full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for aircraft engines and related specialized technologies. A FADEC — a system consisting of a digital computer, called an engine control unit, and its related accessories — controls all aspects of aircraft engine performance, such as engine fuel flow and variable engine geometries.

The joint venture, called FADEC Alliance, will be the exclusive FADEC supplier for CFM International's next generation engine, LEAP, and GE's Passport engine. As the sole provider, FADEC Alliance will be responsible for the design, manufacture and aftermarket support of the system. The partnership leverages FADEC International's experience of supplying FADEC systems to GE since 1984.

"The creation of the FADEC Alliance joint venture continues FADEC International's business relationship with GE onto the next generation of aircraft," said Dennis Slattery, president of FADEC Alliance and director of engine controls for BAE Systems. "The FADEC, utilizing fourth generation, proven engine controls, will be a technological discriminator for CFM International's LEAP engine."

The LEAP engine is designed to power the next generation narrow body commercial aircraft. Designed by CFM International, a 50/50 partnership between GE and Snecma (Safran group), the LEAP engine has been selected for the Boeing 737Max, Airbus A320neo and the Comac C919.

GE's Passport engine, designed for ultra-long-range business jets, has been selected for the Bombardier Global 7000 and Global 8000 business aircraft.