Electronic Components in Aerospace Aircraft

With the advancement of technology, the application of electronic devices in the aerospace industry has become increasingly widespread. The use of various electronic components is crucial for improving aircraft performance and safety. This article will focus on introducing the key electronic components and their classifications in aircraft, including the flight control system, navigation system, communication system and monitoring and instrumentation system, and analyze how these electronic components enhance the safety and operational efficiency of aircraft.

Firstly, the flight control system adopts fly-by-wire and other electronic technologies to replace traditional mechanical linkages, greatly improving aircraft maneuverability and safety. The feedback from various sensing devices allows pilots to control the aircraft status in real time. Secondly, the navigation system provides pilots with precise location and route information through satellite positioning, inertial navigation and other means. The communication system enables smooth voice and data contact between crew members as well as with the ground. Finally, the monitoring and instrumentation system uses electronic signals to continuously monitor flight parameters, ensuring all indicators are within normal range, providing support for aircraft operation and maintenance.

In summary, the application of electronic components makes aircraft systems more precise, intelligent and safe. This article will discuss in detail the composition, working principles and importance of avionics systems, illustrating the significant contributions of electronic technologies to the modern aviation industry.

Ⅰ. Flight Control System

The flight control system and its classifications is one of the major electronic components of an aircraft. The flight control system has evolved over time with the evolution of technology used in making electrical and electronic components. The technological advancements have allowed for transitions from manual controls to more advanced and reliable electronic systems like the fly-by-wire electronic system. Using such electronic components has made aircraft safer and more maneuverable.

The fly-by-wire system is classified as an electronic component of the aircraft because it uses electronic signals. The fly-by-wire system sends electronic signals from the inputs made by pilots to the aircraft’s control surfaces, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages. Therefore, the fly-by-wire system is the most common classification of the flight control system currently in use.

The flight control system has several components that guide its operations. These components are actuators, sensors, a control unit in the cockpit, and control surfaces. Examples of the control surfaces are ailerons, elevators, and rudder. Once the pilot keys in inputs at the control unit, they are electronically transmitted to the actuators which then move the control surface. It is essential that the pilot gets feedback of the action achieved by the control surfaces.

Sensors offer pilots this essential feedback. Examples of sensors used by the flight control system are gyroscopes and accelerometers. These feedback from these sensors enable the pilots to check the attitude of the aircraft and adjust the control surfaces on a real time basis. The control unit, located on the cockpit, receives electronic signals from the sensors, processes inputs from these sensors and the inputs from the pilots, and sends electronic signals to the actuators to move the control surfaces.  

Example of aircraft gyroscope

Example of aircraft accelerometer

Ⅱ. The Navigation System

The second set of important electronic components in the aircraft make up the navigation system. The navigation system has electronic components that provide the pilots with all flight information necessary to aid them in piloting the aircraft. There are various classifications of the components of the navigation system, as follows:

The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) - this is the set of navigation systems that indicate the coordinates, altitude, speed, and the other flight parameters to the pilot. There are three established systems used in the GNSS, namely, the GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems.

The Inertial Reference System (IRS) - it is a navigation system that uses inputs from the gyroscope and accelerometer to detect the aircraft position. The electronic signals from the two sensors help this system to detect displacement on the three body axis of the aircraft and calculate the aircraft position. Due to its operation, the IRS does not require any external data, making it reliable in flight.

The Flight Management System (FMS) - the FMS is another navigation system that uses electronic signals to provide pilots with the flight data. Its functions include:

Ⅲ. Configuring the autopilot

Configuring information for take-off and approach from the air traffic controllers.  

Offering information on fuel consumption.

The navigation system is one of the essential electronic components in aircraft operations. It provides accurate positioning and route guidance to pilots, and thereby enables safe flight and efficient air travel.

Ⅳ. The Communication system

The other set of electronic components and its various classifications is the communication system.as suggested by the name, the communication system is utilized in all communication between crew members, crew members and ground personnel, and crew members and passengers. The aircraft communication system has different electronic components like:

Radio communication like HF system for long distance voice communications and VHF system for short-range voice communications. The calling frequency is selected using the SELCAL system, which selects whether the waves will be transmitted electronically through VHF or HF.

SATCOM system- used for satellite communication in the same way that SELCAL is used for radio communication.

ACARS- digital datalink system used to electronically transmit short messages via either radio or satellite.

Interphone communication- used for internal cockpit communication, communication between cabin crew and pilots, and used on ground by maintenance personnel.

Passenger address system- there is also a passenger address system used for making announcements to passengers from the cabin crew stations and cockpit stations.

The analysis shows the essence of using electronic components in communication. The electronics components are diverse and handle different sorts of communication. The pilot selects the communication system using an audio control panel as the one shown below. The next time you are traveling, try figuring out the kind of electronic communication going on.  

Audio control panel

Ⅴ. Monitoring and Instrumentation

The last set of electronic components that is essential in aircraft operations is monitoring and instrumentation systems. The system uses electronic signals to monitor different aspects that are crucial to flight operations. For instance, the weather detection system monitors the weather and helps pilots to understand the weather conditions at the intended aircraft destination. Another monitoring system is the engine monitoring system. It monitors the real-time from the engine and alerts the pilots on any of the deviations from the optimal performance desired in operations.

Monitoring systems are essential in evaluating the performance of the aircraft during flight. Therefore, monitoring systems are primary in ensuring aircraft safety. Moreover, aircraft operators utilize the monitoring systems to perform aircraft maintenance. The system is called aircraft condition trend monitoring and it focuses on monitoring aircraft systems and alerting maintenance teams on components which require maintenance action. For this reason, monitoring systems are highly valued in aerospace operations.

The monitoring systems rely on instrumentation to indicate the conditions that they monitor. There are six primary instruments in the cockpit that aid in monitoring the performance of the aircraft. They are discussed below.

Attitude indicator (AI)

It is also known as the artificial horizon. It gives the aircraft pitch and bank which help a pilot to ascertain the heading and altitude of an aircraft.

Airspeed indicator (ASI)

The ASI indicates the speed of the aircraft, mostly in knots. It is used to monitor the speed of the aircraft during different phases of flight such as takeoff and landing.

Vertical speed indicator (VSI)

The VSI indicates the speed of attitude change when the aircraft is in flight. It is mostly marked at hundreds of feet per minute. It is used to monitor the rate of climb or rate of descent and comes in handy when pilots need to change the aircraft altitude at a steady pace.

Altimeter

The altimeter is another primary instrument that indicates the altitude of an aircraft. It is usually marked in feet. It is essential in monitoring how high an aircraft is from the ground.  

Heading indicator (HI)

Also referred to as the direction indicator (DI). It is marked in degrees and gives the current heading of the aircraft.

Turn coordinator

The turn coordinator uses a gyroscope to indicate the direction that an aircraft is turning and how fast it is turning.

Ⅵ. Conclusion

In conclusion, electronic components and systems play an indispensable role in modern aircraft operations and aviation safety. The flight control systems, navigation systems, communication systems and monitoring instrumentation outlined in this article demonstrate the diverse applications of electronics in aerospace. These components utilize cutting-edge technologies such as fly-by-wire controls, inertial navigation, satellite communication and real-time sensor monitoring to enhance various aspects of flight including maneuverability, navigation accuracy, air-ground communication and overall aircraft health monitoring.

Looking ahead, electronics are expected to enable further breakthroughs in aviation. Areas such as electric propulsion, autonomous control, integrated avionics and predictive maintenance using big data and AI will likely transform air transportation. The continued innovation in avionics technology will allow aircraft to fly faster, further and greener while maintaining excellent safety standards. With electronics advancing side by side, the future of aerospace appears bright.

The competent and reliable performance of electronics has made commercial air travel extremely safe. As an indispensable contributor to the outstanding track record of modern aviation, avionics will continue to be pivotal in taking flight technology to new heights.