Adam Taylor, director of business development and capability for Active Inceptor Systems at BAE Systems, discusses with Ed Hill the benefits of adapting Active Stick control technology from military to civil aircraft cockpit applications.
Active Inceptor, or Active Stick technology as it’s also referred to, has its roots in the development of the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) programme. As the multi-role aircraft makes greater demands on the pilot, and also contains many advanced weapon, navigation and communication systems, it became clear that anything that could help to reduce the pilot’s workload flying the aircraft would be highly beneficial – if not vital.
Adam Taylor, director of business development and capability for Active Inceptor Systems at BAE Systems, explains: “Because of the unique CONOPS (concept of operations) of that aircraft, the need for an active stick and active throttle is higher than on other fighters. It is used to give tactile warnings to the pilot for pitch and roll manoeuvres, but in the fighter scenario it is used as much for the throttle control as it is for stick control.”
Unlike a passive stick, active inceptors have electronically controlled actuators that send tactile feedback, or cues, to the pilot through the stick. The feedback is programmable for specific aircraft depending on customer requirements, and can warn pilots of impending structural or aerodynamic operating limits.
Read more: Taking control to the next level