Smiths Aerospace says it was recently selected by Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems to supply triple-redundant engine interface units (EIU) and engine throttle actuators (ETAs) for the X-47B Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (J-UCAS). The development and production phases could potentially be worth nearly $15 million, Smiths says, if the demonstration program enters production. The ETA is supplied in partnership with Eaton Aerospace. Shipset deliveries will commence in the fourth quarter of this year from Smiths’ facility in Michigan. Smiths also said here that its combined systems “make it the largest non-partner equipment supplier to the Northrop Grumman X-47B J-UCAS program,” with a total sales potential of more than $300 million.
