Parker Aerospace to develop generic fly-by-wire system for all new Bombardier widebody aircraft programs

Bombardier Aerospace and Parker Aerospace announced today that Parker has been selected as the exclusive supplier for a period of ten years of fly-by-wire flight control systems for all new Bombardier widebody aircraft programs requiring this technology.

Parker's Control Systems Division will develop a complete, state of the art generic fly-by-wire system from stick to surface, that will then be customized and manufactured by the division for each aircraft program, starting with the CSeries.

Parker estimates that this has the potential to generate revenues of $3.5 billion US over the life of the programs.

"This approach to the design, development and manufacture of a system that can be applied to a number of aircraft programs will provide us with increased reliability, reduced development cycle, and an overall improved value proposition," said François Caza, Vice President and Chief Engineer, Bombardier Aerospace. "Through this arrangement we will be able to simplify and improve our service and support structure."

"We are extremely proud to be a part of this exciting opportunity, and look forward to providing Bombardier, a long-time Parker customer, with enhanced fly-by-wire flight control systems," said Parker Aerospace Control Systems Division Vice President and General Manager, Carl Moffitt.

Fly-by-wire system

Fly-by-wire replaces the conventional hydro-mechanical flight control system that uses a series of pulleys and/or rods that directly control flight surfaces and provides easier installation and increased functionality. With fly-by-wire, pilot inputs are interpreted by sophisticated on-board computers to ensure that the signals being sent to the control surfaces optimize the aircraft's performance.