The L3Harris AFTU is a configurable, fault-tolerant autonomous flight termination unit and the core of L3Harris’ autonomous flight safety system. The only RCC-319 -certified flight termination unit with M-code GPS compatibility, the AFTU is poised to support present and future launch requirements into 2030 and beyond. The AFTU integrates multiple functions into a single unit to keep the system affordable, compact and reliable:
- CASS processor
- Power changeover switch
- Redundant initiation circuits
- RCC-324 -compliant M-code GPS receiver (option)
Built on a 50-year history of flight termination experience, the AFTU leverages heritage circuit designs on all functions listed above, with proven performance on Atlas V, Delta IV, Space Launch System, Space Shuttle, ISS and many other missions.
The AFTU is single-fault tolerant, with redundancy in the master safe/arm, local arm, liftoff indicators, initiation circuits and all flight-critical FPGAs. Local and remote cross strap heartbeat monitors ensure safe utilization of redundant hardware configurations. The embedded power changeover switch can disable the AFTU once out of the range safety boundary for further fault protection.
L3Harris has been providing rock-solid flight termination hardware for over 50 years with zero operational failures across all product lines. The AFTU can be trusted to perform flawlessly on every mission.
