Weight analysis of aircraft actuators

THE work that must be expended to actuate adjustable flight surfaces and to operate the landing gear, bomb doors, and other movable structures on aircraft often exceeds pilot capabilities. At the same time, the increase in physical size of aircraft in recent years has all but ruled out mechanical transmission systems. To provide for power amplification and to eliminate mechanical links, the aircraft designer uses a multitude of remotely controlled actuating devices, known more simply to the aircraft industry as actuators.