SKF auto-throttle unit gives smooth autopilot transitions to Business Jets

SKF's latest version of its Fly-by-Wire Throttle Control Unit, has been certified for use on aircrafts from two manufacturers. For SKF, the fitting and approval of their automatic throttle control unit with motorised levers in both the Dassault Falcon 2000Easy and the Gulfstream G200 marks the culmination of three years continuous research and development by SARMA, a subsidiary company of SKF. A notable feature of the SARMA throttle control unit is that unlike earlier designs, when there could be a detectable change in speed when autopilot mode was selected or de-selected, there is now a smooth transition when moving into, or out of, autopilot mode. The action is virtually undetectable by pilot and passengers. This is because in earlier designs the throttle levers remained in a fixed position during autopilot mode and so were often in the wrong position when the pilot resumed control. With automatic throttle control the system automatically positions the levers to control aircraft thrust throughout the flight regime.