UNIT 1

INTRODUCTION TO AVOINICS
Avionics are advanced electronics used in aircraft, spacecraft and satellites. These systems
perform various functions including communication, navigation, flight control, display systems,
flight management etc. There is a great need for advanced avionics in civil, military and space
systems.
Civil aircraft
For better flight control, performing computations and increased control over flight
control surfaces.
For navigation, provide information using sensors like Altitude and Head Reference
System (AHRS).
Provide air data like altitude, atmospheric pressure, temperature, etc.
Reduce crew workload.
Increased safety for crew and passengers.
Reduction in aircraft weight which can be translated into increased number of passengers
or long range.
All weather operation
Reduction in aircraft maintenance cost.
Military aircraft
Avionics in fighter aircraft eliminates the need for a second crew member like navigator,
observer etc., which helps in reducing the training costs.
A single seat fighter is lighter and costs less than an equivalent two seat version.
Improved aircraft performance, control and better handling.
Reduction in maintenance costs.
Secure communication.
Space systems
Fly-by-wire communication system used for space vehicles attitude and translation
control.
Sensors used in the spacecraft for obtaining data.
Autopilot redundancy system.
On-board computers used in satellites for processing the data.