BAe Systems has signed a multi-million pound development contract with Agusta Westland.

The company will be a member of a team which includes Westland Helicopters, FHL (formerly Claverham) and the UK Ministry of Defence, which will develop a digital flight control computer as part of the Helicopter Electric Actuation Technology (HEAT) programme.

In this development, conventional power hydraulic systems, which help the pilot to control the aircraft, are replaced by all-electric controls. The HEAT programme – jointly funded by industry and the UK Ministry of Defence – will be demonstrated on an EH101 helicopter.