05 March 2025
Curtiss-Wright Introduces FNR Directional Control Switch
Engineered for Excellence in Off-Highway Vehicle Applications
CHRISTCHURCH, U.K. – March 5th, 2025 – Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial Division understands that effective control systems are the backbone of operational success in demanding environments, and they empower OEMs and operators in the off-highway vehicle industry via innovative control solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability.
With a design based on a successful full lever directional control switch that has been miniaturized to fit into both Curtiss-Wright’s HM and custom grips, the new FNR directional control switch utilizes advanced Hall-effect technology, ensuring precise and reliable performance in the toughest of user environments. It benefits from three separate outputs, one for each latched/hold position (Forward-Neutral-Reverse), enabling both two-directional and center positive logic in a control system.
Additionally, integrating the FNR switch within a joystick controller grip allows machinery operators to, for example, control both the gearbox and boom functionality with one hand. This ergonomic design eliminates the need to release the joystick to shift gears or operate other functions, improving operational efficiency and reducing potential safety risks by maintaining continuous control over the equipment.
Designed to meet EU Directive 2006/42/EC standards, the FNR switch guarantees compliance and integrity for EN 13849 systems and, for consistency with general safety guidelines for agricultural standards, is available in both black and orange colour options. With a robust encapsulated design rated to IP67, the FNR is built to withstand water, dust, shock, and extreme temperatures, with its flow-in/flow-out design preventing water accumulation and ensuring reliable operation in freezing conditions.
The FNR directional control switch provides engineers with a versatile solution tailored for telehandlers, material handling equipment, and construction and agricultural vehicles, with key specifications including:
- Return-to-center mechanics with latching at travel ends
- Supply voltage: 5V ± 0.5V
- Short-circuit protection and reverse polarity protection
- Rated for over 1 million cycles at 0.5 Hz
- Operating temperature from -40°C to +85°C
- Snap-fit mounting design
- Thumb or finger operation
About Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a global integrated business that provides highly engineered products, solutions and services mainly to Aerospace & Defense markets, as well as critical technologies in demanding Commercial Power, Process and Industrial markets. We leverage a workforce of approximately 8,800 highly skilled employees who develop, design and build what we believe are the best engineered solutions to the markets we serve. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing innovative solutions through trusted customer relationships. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com