The electric door actuation system on the A380 replaces conventional manual door opening mechanisms. The system includes three actuators: the Swivel Actuator which opens and closes the aircraft door, the De-Arrest Actuator which secures the door in the open position and the Flight Lock Actuator that ensures the door remains locked during flight. To safeguard the integrity of the system in critical situations redundant windings are integrated in the Swivel Actuator. 

The Electrical Cargo Loading System Power Drive Units (PDUs) are located in the cargo compartment floor of the forward and aft cargo compartment of the A380. The main role of the PDUs is to provide adequate traction under all environmental conditions to move air freight pallets and containers in and out of the cargo compartment. The PDUs are active during the loading and unloading process of the cargo compartment. Self-erecting PDUs are located in the ball mat area and equipped with two separately acting AC servo motors. The first motor provides the necessary traction force and the second motor provides the lift function to positively engage or disengage the drive. Spring loaded PDUs are located in the longitudinal area of the cargo compartments and are mounted between the roller tracks and support the weight of the pallets via two spring packs. 

The future of flight is electric, and WITTENSTEIN motion control is enabling that future with integrated lightweight, powerful, and safe actuation systems.

Multiple electrical vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) projects have been launched worldwide; first certifications and entry into service are expected from 2023 onwards. WITTENSTEIN motion control supports these new full electric and fly-by-wire developments with advanced flight control devices for the cockpit, control surfaces, and auxiliary systems. We have successfully delivered electric cockpit flight control systems for several years. Our cockpit flight controls are based on years of experience in the design of 2-, 3- and 4- axis pilot control inceptor systems with both analogue and digital interfaces to the flight control computer.

For control of the aileron, elevator and rudder surfaces and of the electric propulsion units WITTENSTEIN motion control offers a wide range of aerospace grade actuators and optimized electronic motor drive solutions with separated command and monitoring lanes, embedded communication interfaces for sensor processing and data communication designed according to the latest safety standards.

The Technical University of Munich is investigating fly-by-wire systems for general aviation aircrafts by equipping a Diamond DA42 with electromechanical flight controls. WITTENSTEIN is providing all components of the electromechanical actuation system.

These comprise highly compact rotary actuators as well as actuator control electronics and a stand-alone center stick unit including force feedback functionalities. The innovative WITTENSTEIN technology gives an efficient fly-by-wire solution for General Aviation.