BAE Systems has been selected by Boeing to modernize the Fly-by-Wire (FBW). Flight control computers (FCC) for the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft.

The FCCs share common core electronics that support the quadruple redundant FBW flight control systems (FCS), providing the safety, reliability, robustness and performance required for the missions of these advanced platforms.

As the original equipment manufacturer of the FCCs for both aircraft, BAE Systems will modernize the FCC electronics hardware and software to increase processing power, improve cyber and product security, address obsolescence issues and ensure future maintenance.

The modernized FCC will leverage the company’s roadmap for highly integrated flight control products, which builds on technology investments and is used in several recent flight control upgrades for military airborne platforms.

In addition, the F/A-18E/F FCC will receive an additional processor to enable future capabilities for the fleet.

“BAE Systems is a leading provider of highly integrated controls and this upgrade reflects our commitment to providing our customers with next-generation solutions,” said Corin Beck, Senior Director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. “Our advanced flight-critical solution ensures these platforms are ready for missions now and in the future, equipping the aircraft to support the integration of new capabilities.”

These computers efficiently control the flight of an aircraft by processing the pilot’s inputs, monitoring the aircraft’s motion conditions in real time via onboard sensors, and transmitting commands to actuators that move the control surfaces.

The redundant FCS, together with the flight control laws, enables the pilot to maintain controlled operations during demanding flight regimes and multiple load configurations.

In addition, the FCS can reconfigure the aircraft’s controls in the event of a failure or battle damage by mixing the remaining control surfaces differently. The advanced FBW FCS allows the pilot to focus more on the mission and less on flying the aircraft.