Avionics

A flight control system that replaces conventional mechanical linkages between the pilot's controls and the flight control surfaces with electronic signals transmitted via wires. Computers interpret pilot inputs and send commands to actuators, enabling flight envelope protection and improved handling qualities.

A cockpit that uses electronic flight instrument displays, typically LCD or LED screens, instead of traditional electromechanical gauges. Primary flight displays (PFD) and multifunction displays (MFD) present flight data, navigation maps, and system status in an integrated, easily interpretable format.

A self-contained navigation system that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to continuously calculate an aircraft's position, velocity, and orientation without external references. Modern versions use ring laser gyroscopes or fiber-optic gyroscopes for improved accuracy.

A widely used avionics data bus standard that defines the physical and electrical interfaces for data transfer between avionics systems. It uses a unidirectional, point-to-point protocol with one transmitter and up to 20 receivers per bus, operating at 12.5 or 100 kilobits per second.

A specialized computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight tasks including navigation, flight planning, performance optimization, and fuel management. The FMS integrates data from multiple sensors and navigation aids to guide the aircraft along a programmed route.

An airborne system that independently monitors the airspace around an aircraft for other transponder-equipped aircraft and provides collision avoidance advisories. TCAS II issues both traffic advisories (TA) and resolution advisories (RA) directing pilots to climb or descend to avoid a conflict.

An instrument that measures the aircraft's height above the terrain directly below by timing the return of radio waves bounced off the ground surface. Unlike barometric altimeters that measure height above a pressure datum, radar altimeters provide actual above-ground-level (AGL) altitude, critical during approach and landing.

The primary standard governing the development of airborne software, published by RTCA. It defines five Design Assurance Levels (DAL A through E) based on the severity of failure conditions, with Level A (catastrophic failure) requiring the most rigorous development, verification, and documentation processes.

A transparent display that presents flight data directly in the pilot's forward field of view, allowing the pilot to monitor critical information without looking down at cockpit instruments. HUDs project symbology such as flight path vector, airspeed, altitude, and guidance cues onto a combiner glass.

An architecture in which multiple avionics functions share common computing hardware platforms rather than each function having its own dedicated computer. IMA uses standardized modules, partitioned operating systems, and high-speed networks to reduce weight, power consumption, and maintenance complexity.