DEVELOPMENT OF THE FULL AUTHORITY DIGITAL ENGINE CONTROL (FADEC) SYSTEM FOR THE ENHANCED TF40B GAS TURBINE ENGINE ON THE U.S. NAVY'S LANDING CRAFT, AIR CUSHION (LCAC) VEHICLES

摘要

The Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) upgrades the current main propulsion engine and analog control system to the Enhanced TF40B (ETF40B) gas turbine configuration with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. The FADEC system is an integral part of the ETF40B gas turbine configuration and interfaces with the new LCAC Control and Alarm Monitoring System (CAMS). In addition to increased reliability, the FADEC requires minimal maintenance and can provide uninterrupted engine diagnostic capabilities. The development of the FADEC system has been an ongoing effort among the Navy, Textron Marine & Land Systems (LCAC builder), Vericor Power Systems (ETF40B manufacturer), and Precision Engine Controls Corporation (PECC) (FADEC manufacturer). This paper will outline the FADEC development effort and the lessons learned during the design, environmental qualification, testing and operation for the LCAC.