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Advent Aircraft Systems Launches Concept for Self-Contained Electric Power Brake System

March 15, 2018

Advent Aircraft Systems has unveiled its concept for a new self-contained electric power brake system, a follow-up to the company's eABS anti-skid braking system. The Advent Electric Power Braking System (ePBS™) would be aimed at new all-electric aircraft designs, new aircraft with traditional hydraulics but desiring an electric braking system, or as a retrofit for existing aircraft.

Incorporating the Advent eABS as an integral part of the overall design, the ePBS would be a brake-by-wire system that consists of brake pedal sensors and feel units, a primary brake electronic controller, parking and emergency brake controller, wheel speed transducers and hubcaps, and both primary brake and emergency/parking brake hydraulic units. The electronic controllers would send commands to the brake valves, using state-based logic, based upon the applied brake pedal force. There are no quirky system behaviors for which the pilot must allow.

The emergency brakes would be independent and isolated so that no primary brake system components or sensors would be needed for the emergency brakes to operate. A separate hand control would be used to operate the emergency brakes. The health and readiness of the emergency brake would be verified every time the pilot sets the parking brake. Additionally, the emergency brake could be operated, for practice, on any landing without requiring any maintenance actions at all.

With a total installed weight target of 30 lbs., the ePBS would be compatible with all installed or specified wheel brake assemblies for aircraft ranging from 3,500 lb. to 30,000 lb. MTOW. The system would require no external hydraulic power and would eliminate master cylinders, hydraulic tubing and all hydraulic fluid from the cockpit and cabin. The ePBS would be compliant with FAA and EASA requirements and SAE AIR-5372a & AS-8584 guidance.

"Advent Aircraft Systems wasn't founded to be a one-product company. The success of the Advent eABS has yielded invaluable feedback from customers and the all-electric braking system was the logical next step," said president Ron Roberts. "Using the eABS as the basis to develop the ePBS not only has built-in efficiencies from a production standpoint, but also provides an opportunity to expand our customer base into aircraft currently not served by the eABS."

"The ePBS would provide a natural feel, allowing the pilot to modulate the braking action for smooth directional control," continued Roberts. "Combined with the benefits of the eABS, the result would be an elegant and robust system that would provide peace-of-mind to the pilot."

The target price for the self-contained ePBS would be lower than or at least competitive with a hydraulic system with equivalent features. Further information on ePBS concept development will be available from Advent over the coming months. Meanwhile, interested OEMs may contact Ron Roberts, (918) 388–5940 to discuss potential applications.

About Advent Aircraft Systems

Advent Aircraft Systems designs, analyzes, manufactures, tests, certifies and supports proprietary components and systems for air vehicles. The company has special expertise in braking systems and components with capabilities in hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical, environmental control, aircraft sensor, water and oxygen components and systems.

*Advent eABS is a trademark of Advent Aircraft Systems, Inc.

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