MCST FUSION Technology Development Programme R&I-2017-32-T (2019-2022)

During taxi operations of current-generation commercial aircraft, pilots control the aircraft using the tiller, thrust levers and brake pedals. This method of taxiing can result in a high workload, particularly at complex airports. ACSAGO proposes an alternative taxiing technology that uses active sidesticks. This technology can bring several benefits to ground operations. For instance, an active sidestick can be configured to control aircraft heading and speed, thus rendering the tiller redundant and enabling taxi manoeuvers to be completed just by using the sidestick. Furthermore, it provides visual and tactile feedback to the crew. The left and right sidesticks can also be electronically linked such that they track each other; thus, both pilots can feel and see their sidesticks moving.

ACSAGO focuses on the application of active sidesticks to conventional taxiing i.e. through the use of the aircraft’s engines. However, active sidesticks are configurable and can also be applied to (future) electric taxiing operations, whereby pilots would use an active sidestick to control electric motors installed in the aircraft’s landing gear. It is expected that the proposed active sidestick technology will improve situational awareness, performance and safety during taxiing. This technology is being jointly developed by QuAero Ltd., and the Institute of Aerospace Technologies (as lead partner).