Siemens creates innovative IT platform for BAE's Eurofighter Typhoon
SiemensBAE Systems
By Nell Walker . Oct 26, 2016, 8:56AM
BAE Systems, creator of the world's most advanced swing role combat aircraft, has partnered with Siemens to create a suite of IT services supporting the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The Eurofighter Typhoon can achieve supersonic speeds, able to travel the distance between London and Birmingham in six minutes. It has been used for air policing and peace support, and Siemens's control system includes a bespoke machine tool collision avoidance software programme as well as operational and safety benefits.
Chris Dowson is the Product Specialist of Machine Tool Modernisation at Siemens UK & Ireland, and explained the background to the new control system solution:
"Following a long-standing service relationship with the maintenance team at BAE Systems, we assisted in the appraisal process of the legacy control system used in the spray booth for the Eurofighter Typhoon. We concluded that it was becoming increasingly obsolete which could, in the future, potentially present issues around safety, operational efficiencies and resourcing.
"In particular, we focussed upon the 'man movers' – a set of moving platforms controlled by a CNC controller which are used to support the skilled personnel hand spraying the aircraft's exterior. BAE Systems wished to identify if there was a solution to minimise any potential for the platforms to inadvertently strike the aircraft during the spraying process. The sprayers are encased in full breathing equipment which impairs visibility and reduces their ability to successfully intervene if the platforms move too close to the aircraft. Any interruption part way through a spray, for example if the platform came into contact with the aircraft's exterior, would mean the surface would have to be rubbed down again and re-prepared for spraying. In addition, through our discussions we were also able to develop and propose additional enhancements to both the diagnostic and overall process supervision aspects."
Ian Hopkins, Facilities Engineering Manager of BAE Systems, summerised the system's benefits:
"The new system within the spraying facility provides us with increased capability, flexibility and reliability. One key benefit for us, especially the operators, is the addition of the anti-collision system, this allows the operator to get closer to the aircraft without being concerned they will bump it; they can therefore concentrate on the job in hand. Furthermore, the system can be easily reprogrammed for use with different aircraft which gives us flexible operational options going forward."
Follow @ManufacturingGL and @NellWalkerMG
Rolls-RoyceSiemensAerospace
Rolls-Royce acquires Siemens' eAircraft business
William Smith .
Jun 21, 2019, 7:02AM
British multinational Rolls-Royce has announced the acquisition of the electric and hybrid-electric aerospace propulsion activities of Germany's Siemens.
With around 180 designers and engineers based in Germany and Hungary, Siemens eAircraft business have been developing all-electric as well as hybrid electric propulsion solutions.
British multinational Rolls-Royce has announced the acquisition of… Read more
Siemensfinance
Siemens buoyed by industrial results to beat earnings expectations
May 08, 2019, 5:21AM
The German industrial manufacturing company Siemens has released its earnings for the second quarter of 2019, beating analysts predictions.
The industrial side of
The German industrial manufacturing company Siemens has released its… Read more
Siemens set to deliver 10 high-speed trains to Turkey by 2020
Sean Galea-Pace .
Apr 12, 2019, 4:43AM
Siemens Mobility Transport Systems is set to deliver 10 high-speed trains to Turkey by 2020, according to Daily Sabah.
Currently in production, the first train is expected to be in operation by the end of this year. Speaking to journalists at the Eurasia Rail, Siemens Mobility
Siemens Mobility Transport Systems is set to deliver 10 high-speed… Read more