Abstract:
An actuator () for actuating translation movement of a component () (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) relative to a structure () (e.g., an aircraft's rear fuselage). The actuator () comprises a control-motion-providing assembly () having a drive path from a motion provider () to the component (), a motion-permit-prevent assembly (), and a sensing system () which senses a failure in the drive path. The motion-permit-prevent assembly () comprises a screw member (), which is not part of the drive path, and a nut member (). Upon detection drive-path failure by the sensing system (), the motion-permit-prevent assembly () converts from a motion-permitting mode (whereat relative rotation between the screw-nut members () is permitted) to a motion-preventing mode (whereat relative rotation of the screw-nut members () is prevented). In the motion-preventing mode, the component () is locked or immobilized.