ELDEC Detects Flap Skewing

The first flap skew detection system for a regional jet using non-contacting proximity sensing technology has been developed by ELDEC, a Crane Co. company. The system is used to monitor the flap actuation system and provides an indication and control output before the occurrence of a flap skew condition.

ELDEC's skew detection components for high-lift systems have been used on large commercial aircraft since 1992, but this technology has not before been applied to regional jets. The first will be the Bombardier CRJ200, which is expected to incorporate the non-contacting sensing system by the end of this year.

ELDEC says the non-contacting nature of the equipment will make it easily retrofittable to existing aircraft, and it will be applicable to corporate jets too.