On controls, pedals and throttles, for example. To allow the perceptible flight characteristics to be programmed perfectly, these devices have finely adjustable actuators, rather than being spring-mounted. As experts in this field, WITTENSTEIN supply high-end actuators in complete assemblies with associated peripherals and system software - also with original grips on request.

It runs the AVES (Air VEhicle Simulator) center at Braunschweig. This is a modular, flexible platform that allows holistic investigation of the flight of tomorrow by using the very latest technology.  Innovative pilot assistance and flight control systems for aircraft and helicopters can be developed at the two facilities and pre-tested for flight experiments or evaluated there directly under realistic conditions.

The cockpits are equipped to certification level D for the Airbus A320 ATRA (Advanced Technology Research Aircraft) and Eurocopter EC 135 ACT/FHS (Active Control Technology/Flying Helicopter Simulator).

Both are also equipped with active Control Loading Systems (CLS) from WITTENSTEIN. An 8-channel, electrically coupled CLS is used in the simulator cockpit of the Eurocopter EC 135 ACT/FHS. This consists of two pedal units and the two active controls – cyclic stick and collective stick – each for both pilot and copilot. These CLS were integrated directly inline in the simulated linkage of the EC 135 ACT/FHS cockpit. In the simulator cockpit of the A320 two active sidesticks are used as a drop-in control solution.

They also intuitively signal flight and safety-critical events to the pilots as part of the tactile cueing system. For example, a vibrating alarm can be triggered on the control stick in case of a course deviation. In the future, the WITTENSTEIN control loading systems will also be used in the development of haptic assistance systems.