On-board computer (aircraft)

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An on-board computer is an electronic data processing system on board an aircraft that uses sensors to determine the values ​​of the surrounding air ( static pressure , total pressure , temperature, etc.) to calculate important data for flight guidance and navigation and to make necessary corrections to the instrument displays (corrected altitude , true airspeed , Mach Number , true outside air temperature ) or deviations of these variables compared to a reference value, which can serve as input signals for a flight controller.

Board computer and display system

For the information of the pilot and first officer , an electronic system is required, which prepares and displays the flight data determined on a screen. This system includes computers, screens , supply lines, operating elements and special computer programs that process all the information necessary for carrying out the flight and then convert it into readable signals ( visual output). Ease of use and reliable functioning are required. This system is called electronic instrument system (engl. Electronic Instrument System, EIS). It consists of two sub-systems, the flight instrument system and the monitoring system. The digital Electronic Flight Instrument System ( engl. Briefly: EFIS, dt. : Electronic flight instrument system) is used to display the primary flight instruments ( attitude , heading, air speed ) and the flight navigation ( compass rose ). The form of the representations corresponds to the proven displays of conventional electromechanical devices .

The electronic flight instrument system ( EFIS ) of the Airbus A320 family (A318 / A319 / A320 / A321) comprises the following elements:

  • One screen each for displaying the primary instruments for the captain and first officer (Primary Flight Display, PFD)
  • One screen each for displaying the compass rose (Navigation Display, ND)
  • One control panel each to the left and right of the primary screen
  • three computers for controlling the screens, whereby the third computer takes over if the other two computers fail (display management computer, DMC)

The electronic centralized aircraft monitor system (ECAM) shows the condition of the engines and, optionally, the condition of numerous aircraft systems such as fuel consumption and remaining fuel , flap position , electrical system, air conditioning , cabin pressure , hydraulics, etc.

In the Airbus A320 family, this system comprises the following assemblies:

  • a screen for engine monitoring and warning display (upper screen above the center console)
  • a screen for status and system displays (lower screen)
  • a control panel
  • two flight warning computers (FWC)
  • two computers for data acquisition (Systems Data Acquisition Concentrator, SDAC)

The display on the screens is suitable for multiple purposes and normally only provides information that is necessary for the respective flight phase . However, the pilot can intervene in the defined program and call up, change or delete any displays at the touch of a button.

literature

Web links