Lightweight, Composite Flight Control Actuators

The development of composite actuators/components for airborne systems has demonstrated up to 47% weight savings as compared to conventional (metal) actuators. In addition, the composite actuator is “jam resistant”, satisfying a survivability requirement for the Navy. Current composite actuators have passed or exceeded all critical tests (proof, impulse and life cycling, temperature shock, vibration, burst) based on a high performance aircraft specification (F/A-18).