Esterline Control Systems has been chosen to supply rudder pedal stations, flap selectors, speed brake LRUs, landing gear levers, wheel tiller, and autobrake switch control panels for Embraer’s KC-390 military transport/tanker program, the company announced Monday.
Marketed under the Mason brand name, Esterline will be designing and manufacturing the controls in its Sylmar, Calif., facility. The rudder pedals enable the pilot to control the aircraft yaw rotation, and are used for steering and braking the aircraft on the ground. The flap selectors allow the pilot to select and lock the appropriate flap angle during flight, and the speed brake lever actuates the spoilers to slow the aircraft. The landing gear lever is used to control the extension and retraction of the aircraft landing gear. The wheel tiller allows the pilot to steer the airplane on ground during the taxi phase. The auto-brake switch enables the pilot to pre-set the desired amount of braking force upon landing. It is also used to activate the brakes automatically in the event of a rejected take-off.
Previously, Esterline Control Systems had been selected to supply the thrust control quadrant assembly for the KC-390.
Other suppliers of the program include Elbit Systems (Self-Protection Suite, Directional Infrared Countermeasures, pilot orientation Head-Up Display and mission computer), Hamilton Sundstrand (Electric Power Generating System), BAE Systems (flight control electronics), and Rockwell Collins (Pro Line Fusion avionics suite).
The Brazilian Air Force has committed to purchasing 28 KC-390s. Deliveries of the KC-390 to the Brazilian Air Force are expected to begin in late 2015.