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Gulfstream showcases wireless aircraft control system

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. held a successful demonstration of aircraft control using ‘Fly-By-Wireless’ technology. This historic event took place last 18 September, and will be recorded as the first application of wireless signaling for a primary flight-control surface in a civilian and a military aircraft.

During the two-hour demo, which took place in Savannah, four signal types were transferred from pilot to lateral controls of the Gulfstream GV test aircraft. According to the Gulfstream press release, “A mechanical system controlled the ailerons; a Fly-By-Wire system manipulated the outboard spoilers; the Fly-By-Wireless system handled the mid-spoilers; and a fiber-optic Fly-By-Light system moved the inboard spoilers.”

All systems worked simultaneously during the flight. The data allowed the researchers to compare the Fly-By-Wireless system to three other control systems. The test pilots were quick to note that the handling characteristics were consistent. The data gathered is a good spring board for more tests for the new technology. The future prospects look good for the Fly-By-Wireless aircraft control system.