View All Press Releases  Subscribe  Un-Subscribe 03-19-2003 BAE SYSTEMS, HISPANO-SUIZA TO DEVELOP DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL FOR ENGINE ALLIANCE GP7200 JOHNSON CITY, New York -- BAE SYSTEMS Controls and joint-venture partner Hispano-Suiza will develop the full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) for the Engine Alliance GP7200, the engine that will power the Airbus A380 family of superjumbo jets. The contract from the Engine Alliance, a joint venture between GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney, calls for development of the world’s most sophisticated commercial FADEC. Delivery of the first development unit is scheduled for August 2003. Production orders of some 600 FADECs are anticipated to support engine deliveries beginning in 2006. “BAE SYSTEMS is a leading producer of jet engine controls, including the control for the GE90 family, from which the GP7200 derives much of its architecture,” said Hank McGlynn, vice president of Power Systems at BAE SYSTEMS Controls. The GP7200 control will be based on FADEC 3, the company’s newest engine control, which flew successfully last fall aboard the GE90-115, currently the world’s most powerful aircraft engine. “We are delighted at the opportunity to work with our partner, Hispano-Suiza, on this ambitious project.” Employing an Ethernet-based data communications network, the GP7200 control will be the most complex FADEC ever developed. The control will monitor fuel flow, control variable engine geometries, interface with the engine thrust reverser, and perform advanced functions such electronic engine overspeed protection. BAE SYSTEMS and Hispano-Suiza have teamed on engine control development and production since 1984 and recently formed a joint venture called FADEC International to design and build controls for large commercial engines. In addition to the engine control, BAE SYSTEMS also will develop the GP7200’s Vibration Monitoring Unit, or VMU, in cooperation with Vibro-Meter, a unit of Switzerland-based Meggitt Plc. The VMU is a key part of the engine’s health monitoring system. The Engine Alliance, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney, was formed in 1996 to develop, manufacture, sell, and support a family of modern technology engines for new high-capacity, long-range aircraft. Its GP7200 is derived from two of the most successful wide-body engine programs in aviation history -- the GE90 and PW4000 families. About BAE SYSTEMS: BAE SYSTEMS is a systems company, innovating for a safer world. BAE SYSTEMS employs nearly 100,000 people including joint ventures, and has annual sales of around $18 billion. The company offers a global capability in air, sea, land, and space with a world-class prime contracting ability supported by a range of key skills. BAE SYSTEMS designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, guided weapon systems, and a range of other defense products. BAE SYSTEMS is dedicated to making the intelligent connections needed to deliver innovative solutions. BAE SYSTEMS North America is a high-technology U.S. company employing more than 22,000 Americans who live and work in some 30 states and the District of Columbia. The company is dedicated to solving its customers’ needs with highly innovative and leading-edge solutions across the defense electronics, systems, information technology, and services arenas. BAE SYSTEMS Controls, an operating unit of BAE SYSTEMS North America, is a leading supplier and integrator of electronic flight controls, engine controls, and navigation guidance for defense and commercial aircraft and launch vehicle applications. It also provides integrated avionics for aircraft applications and complete unmanned aerial vehicle systems and is a leader in the emerging heavy-duty hybrid-electric vehicle market. Controls operates facilities in Johnson City, New York; Plymouth, U.K.; Santa Monica, Westlake Village, and Ontario, California; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Cheshire, Connecticut; Wayne, New Jersey; Heath, Ohio; and Redmond, Washington. For further information, please contact: Larry Stone, BAE SYSTEMS Controls Tel: 607-770-3944 Cell: 607-761-9553 lawrence.w.stone@baesystems.com