Gulfstream pilots to benefit from increased feedback with BAE Systems' active control side sticks

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has selected BAE Systems to provide active control side sticks for its new G500 and G600 aircraft. This contract marks the first time that this innovative flight technology, which was once reserved for military aircraft, will be implemented on a commercial fleet of planes.

“BAE Systems is the world's only provider of flight-worthy active sticks, with more than 25 years of design experience in active inceptor technology,” said Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Commercial Aircraft Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our active sticks reduce cost and weight over conventional pilot controls, working with the fly-by-wire system to assist in aircraft control while still providing an equivalent level of awareness for the pilots.”

Active sticks provide force feedback directly to the pilot's hand, in real time, depending on flight mode and aircraft condition. The force feedback is intuitive, programmed to help the pilot control the aircraft and maintain stable flight. It can also provide an indication to the pilot of any impending structural and aerodynamic operating limits — otherwise known as flight envelope limits — thereby improving the pilot's awareness and ability to control the plane. Electronic linking of the two control sticks in the cockpit allows each pilot to feel the forces and see the displacements the other is causing.