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More Diehl technology completes VoloCity flight controls
Wednesday, 22 June 2022
Fly-by-light control is considered is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, for example from cell phones or transmission tower - a key safety criterion in view of the VoloCity's ops at low altitudes in cities.

Diehl Aerospace, a supplier of avionics systems and a joint venture between Diehl Aviation and Thales, is further expanding its cooperation with Volocopter. A contract extension provides for the development and production of an optical splitter to complement the flight control system as well as other components for the battery management system for the first all-electric VoloCity air taxi.

The optical splitter complements the flight control system by providing control information to the VoloCity's total of eighteen rotors. In contrast to conventional fly-by-wire control systems, the electrical signals from the flight control computer are translated into optical signals and consequently controlled optoelectronically. Instead of electrical signals via copper wires, light signals are now used via corresponding optical fibres to transmit measured values and control commands.

Diehl Aerospace has already developed the Flight Control Computer for the VoloCity, including the primary and backup control computers.

This fly-by-light control is considered, says Diehl, to be particularly immune to electromagnetic interference, for example from cell phones or transmission towers. Interference immunity is a key safety criterion, particularly in view of the VoloCity's planned flight operations at low altitudes in cities. With the development of an optical splitter, Diehl Aerospace once again underlines its competence in flight control technology for commercial aviation.

In addition, Diehl Aerospace is developing the Data Concentration Unit (DCU) for Volocopter, which is the counterpart to the optical splitter. The DCU collects optical signals from 18 rotors via an optical interface and converts them into digital data for the avionics. This provides the pilot with feedback on the status of engine speed and temperature. "We are excited to further expand our partnership with Volocopter, an innovative pioneer in the UAM market, bringing our many years of experience and expertise in flight control systems to the table," says Florian Maier, ceo of Diehl Aerospace.

In addition to the flight control system, Diehl will also supply further sub-components for the Battery Management System for monitoring the batteries of the VoloCity. The system provides a platform to manage and monitor the battery packs installed in the aircraft, thus safeguarding the operation of the all-electric air taxi. VoloCity features nine battery packs that are replaced and recharged after the flight. In order to monitor the battery status during the flight, the pilot receives all flight-relevant information via a corresponding system, for example on the remaining energy and the possibility to control the power supply.

Contact details from our directory:
Diehl Aerospace GmbH Airborne Electrical Power Supplies, Aircraft & Helicopter Controllers, Aircraft Exterior Lighting Systems, Aircraft Interior Lighting Systems, Automatic Flight Control Systems, Cabin Heaters, Cabin Lighting, Cabin Management Systems, Control Panels, Electronic Control Equipment, Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Emergency Lighting Systems, Engine Controls, Flap/Slat Mechanisms, Fuel Control Systems, Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD), Inverters, Landing Gear Controls, LCD Displays, Non-Electronic Control Equipment, Onboard Airport Navigation Systems, Onboard Computers, Passenger Service Units (PSUs), Position/Displacement Detectors, Power Conversion Equipment, Power Distribution Equipment, Sensors/Transducers
Volocopter GmbH Airframer
Related aircraft programs:
Volocopter VoloCity
Related directory sectors:
Avionic Components