Nichols Martin
United Technologies Corp.‘s aerospace systems business has developed a vehicle management computer technology that would accommodate fly-by-wire technology and autonomous flight for both civil and military aircraft.
The new computer uses three multi-core processors, high-speed communications and open architecture to support high-redundancy flights, UTCÂ said Sunday.
UTC Aerospace Systems intends for the new VMC to generate 20 times more computing power than the previous flight control computer, and to allow for hosting of multiple management applications.
“At UTC Aerospace Systems, autonomous flight is a major focus area for us as we work to develop more intelligent aircraft technologies. Autonomous and unmanned operation is a significant part of the solution to that challenge, and we’re excited about how our next-gen vehicle management computer will help customers meet that need,” said Tim White, UTC Aerospace Systems’ electric, environmental and engine systems division president.
The company expects to identify a VMC customer within a year, and intends to begin deliveries of the computer in 2022.
