Demonstration of an Electrically Actuated Brake with Torque Feedback

The U.S. Air Force has recognized the need for an alternative to the conventional hydraulic brake system. Hazards associated with fires and the maintenance required for a hydraulically actuated system are the principal drawbacks of hydraulic brake systems. In addition, an alternative brake system will be required to support a “More Electric” aircraft of the future.

The solution to these problems was provided by the “Electrically Actuated Brake Technology (ELABRAT)” program, a three year program sponsored by the Flight Dynamics Directorate at Wright Patterson AFB. ELABRAT developed and demonstrated an Electromechanically Actuated (EMA) brake system to replace the existing hydraulically actuated piston housing and associated hydraulic control hardware.