Rotary Electromechanical Actuator for Next-Generation Thin-Wing Aircraft Flight Control

ABSTRACT: We propose to develop a 5 inch direct hinge line aileron actuator based on our 2 inch highly integrated EM boat ride control actuator. By exploiting the natural physical scaling laws we can create an even more efficient larger motor which operates on 270VDC. The optimization of EM actuator parameters starts with straightforward math and requirements definition but becomes complicated by soft constraints like speed vs life and application specific details of the cost function. The BLDC motor we propose to build and test has significantly better metrics than any comparable motor currently available. Working with prime contractor feedback we will develop concepts for redundancy and failsafe disconnects. Though a primary focus is the innovative motor, we will study the feasibility of a wide range of coupling alternatives including a variable reduction ratio hybrid valveless hydraulic transmission. BENEFIT: A lightweight EM aileron actuator will will have both military and commercial aircraft applications as more electric aircraft are developed and wing profiles become smaller.