BAE SYSTEMS to develop flight control for Mako aircraft family

BAE SYSTEMS Controls and EADS signed a memorandum of understanding at Paris under which BAE SYSTEMS expressed its interest in developing the flight control system for EADS' Mako aircraft family.

The launch platform for the new aircraft family is a supersonic trainer and light combat aircraft that will be developed for the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense.

Under the terms of the MOU, signed during a ceremony at the opening of the Paris Air Show, BAE SYSTEMS will study development of the aircraft's flight control system, to include sensors, electronics, actuators, and support equipment. A prototype of the new aircraft is expected to fly in 2004.

"We are extremely pleased to join EADS on this milestone program," said James Scanlon, Controls president. "Controls has a long history in military flight controls and looks forward to the opportunity to work with EADS and the UAE to develop this new generation of aircraft."

The Mako is a family of aircraft that includes a single-engine Advanced Jet Trainer/Lead-in Fighter Trainer and a Light Combat Aircraft. Mako is currently in development by EADS for global sales, and will enter prototype development in 2002.

BAE SYSTEMS Controls has been working for three years with EADS and provided an engineering development station for flight and utilities controls last year.

REF XQQEE XQQAR