Today, Sensata Technologies said that it has developed a new fly-by-wire joystick control system for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and had sent prototypes to a number of highly developed air mobility companies.
Sensata is ideally positioned as a leading supplier in the advanced air mobility market thanks to our decades of experience in the aerospace industry and our extensive offering of sensing and power solutions that enable electrification. Stuart Parker, the general manager of aerospace at Sensata Technologies, stated. As we collaborate with cutting-edge businesses to create solutions for brand-new electric aircraft, we’re thrilled to be a part of the industry’s transformation.
An inceptor is a piece of equipment used in aviation that provides input to the computer running the aircraft. Passive inceptors produce signals that the computer uses to discern what the pilot is doing, whereas active inceptors supply power to the system (and mechanical input to the pilot) (without a direct mechanical link between pilot and control surfaces). The latter type is used in Sensata’s new inceptor, which enables complete fly-by-wire control.
Sensata offers inceptor solutions that meet strict safety and reliability standards in order to obtain airworthiness certification and are perfect for advanced air mobility, urban air mobility, trainers, and other electric aircraft applications. Sensata combines its world-class position sensors, multi-axis controllers, and experience in other cockpit controls to provide these inceptor solutions. Sensatas’ passive inceptor can move along one, two, or three axes to regulate roll, pitch, and yaw.
We are working on solutions that will assist aircraft manufacturers in overcoming the difficulties of weight, efficiency, and safety as the industry transitions toward more electric propulsion systems, according to Parker. Sensata is dedicated to leading this quickly changing sector, and we welcome continuing cooperation with our clients as they create the next generation of aircraft.
According to Sensata, the inceptor is intended for both single-pilot and multi-crew aircraft. Pitch, roll, and yaw of the vehicle as well as self-centering and individually programmable operating force in each axis are most frequently controlled by a 3-axis inceptor. The grips that the pilot employs can be altered to fit the specific operational requirements of each vehicle.
From July 18 to 22, Sensata will display its latest inceptor at the Farnborough Airshow in Hall 4, Booth 4138 in Farnborough, United Kingdom.
Please visit the Sensatas Inceptor webpage at here for further details.
THE WAY IN WHICH THIS WILL ADVANCE THE NEW URBAN AIR MOBILITY MARKET Because they are lighter, more efficient, and quieter than active inceptors, passive inceptors will benefit eVTOL aircraft. In addition to removing potential failure spots, the absence of a mechanical link between the pilot and the control surfaces simplifies and increases the reliability of the system. Additionally, the ability to independently program each axis gives the pilot more flexibility while controlling the aircraft, which makes it simpler to fly in congested metropolitan areas.
Sensatas has a unique understanding of the requirements of the new advanced air mobility sector thanks to their experience in providing cockpit controls for a range of aircraft, including trainers and UAVs. As they attempt to get their products on the market, eVTOL manufacturers will be able to greatly benefit from their understanding of what is necessary to gain airworthiness certification.
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