Boeing selects BAE Systems flight control electronics for 777X aircraft

ENDICOTT, N.Y., 26 Feb. 2015.The Boeing Company officials have selected BAE Systems to provide the Remote Electronic Units (REU) for both variants of the Boeing 777Xcommercial aircraft.

An REU manages the aircraft’s flight control surface actuators and interfaces with the Integrated Flight Control Electronics (IFCE), which BAE Systems was selected to provide in 2014. BAE Systems, selected through a competitive procurement process, will support 777X technology advancements by developing and producing the REUs for localized control of the wing surface actuators such as ailerons, flaperons, elevator, rudder, stabilizer, high lift, and new wingtips.

“The latest development contract for the 777X reflects BAE Systems’ expertise in high-integrity controls and builds on our long-standing relationship with Boeing,” says Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Commercial Aircraft Solutions at BAE Systems. “With this selection, Boeing has entrusted BAE Systems to develop the complete suite of flight control electronics, which are critical to the 777X fly-by-wire system. We look forward to supporting Boeing in introducing this advanced wide-body aircraft to the market in 2020.”

BAE Systems’ relationship with Boeing spans more than 60 years, from developing the first weapon control for the F-4 jet fighter to providing avionics and control subsystems for its commercial and military airplanes.

The 777X is Boeing’s newest family of twin-aisle airplanes that builds on the passenger-preferred and market-leading 777. It was launched in 2013 and currently has 300 orders and commitments from six customers. The 777X will be largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition. The 777X is scheduled to begin production in 2017 and first delivery is scheduled for 2020.

BAE Systems provides high-integrity flight and engine controls, as well as cabin and flight-deck systems. Every second, a flight takes off enabled by the company’s flight critical systems. Development and production of the REUs will occur across multiple BAE Systems sites.