R. LeLetty

Papers

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About

R. LeLetty is a leading figure in the development of advanced actuation systems for aerospace and defense, with a career focused on replacing traditional hydraulic and pneumatic systems with smarter, more efficient electromechanical solutions. His work is central to the "more-electric aircraft" concept, where he has pioneered the use of piezoelectric actuators for critical flight control, landing gear, and braking applications. LeLetty’s research demonstrates how these compact, high-precision "piezomechatronic" systems can meet the stringent demands of active optics, fine instruments, and robotic missions in space, as well as microsatellites and UAVs. His most cited paper, "New Actuators for Aircraft and Space Applications" (2006, 53 citations), established a foundational roadmap for this transition, while his subsequent work (2009, 21 citations) further validated the miniaturization and smart control of piezo actuators for extreme environments. With a combined citation impact of over 70, LeLetty’s contributions are essential reading for engineers and researchers seeking to understand the future of lightweight, reliable, and high-performance actuation in the most demanding aerospace and defense platforms.