Active sidestick operations make so much sense to most pilots that talk of anything else seems a waste of time. Sidesticks are a mainstay in business aircraft like the newest Falcons, recent Embraer jets and Airbus aircraft. The Cirrus fleet of single engine piston aircraft even sports a sidestick of sorts. There’s a difference though between these sidesticks and the system undergoing certification inside the new Gulfstream G500. The Gulfstream’s system is an active sidestick configuration, rather than a passive version like some others.
BAE’s Active Sidestick Debuts in Gulfstream G500
Key Takeaways:
- Active sidesticks provide real-time force feedback and synchronized movement between both pilot controls, significantly enhancing situational awareness and preventing conflicting inputs, a critical failing highlighted by the passive sidesticks in the Air France 447 accident.
- The new Gulfstream G500 is the first aircraft from Gulfstream to feature an active sidestick system, developed by BAE Systems, chosen specifically for its superior feedback and precision.
- These active systems offer pilots a more intuitive and responsive control experience, mirroring traditional control wheel setups and improving handling qualities, while incorporating triple redundancy for safety.
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