Air data computer

2 External links
• http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/
handbooks_manuals/aircraft/amt_airframe_
handbook/media/ama_ch10.pdf

3 See also
• Acronyms and abbreviations in avionics

Air Data Computer

An air data computer (ADC) is an essential avionics

component found in modern glass cockpits. This com-
puter, rather than individual instruments, can determine
the calibrated airspeed, Mach number, altitude, and
altitude trend data from an aircraft's pitot-static system.
In some very high speed aircraft such as the Space Shut-
tle, equivalent airspeed is calculated instead of calibrated
airspeed.[1][2]
The world’s first air data computer was developed by John
H. Andresen.[3]
Air data computers usually also have an input of total air
temperature. This enables computation of static air tem-
perature and true airspeed.
In Airbus aircraft the air data computer is combined with
altitude, heading and navigation sources in a single unit
known as the Air Data Inertial Reference Unit (ADIRU).
This has now been replaced by Global Navigation Air
Data Inertial Reference System (GNADIRS).

1 References

[1] Air Data Computer, Avionics News, Kim Wiolland,

2015-01

[2] What Is an Air Data Computer?, Wisegeek.com, Re-

trieved 2015-06-25

[3] “United States Patent 3,742,325 – Plural Input Mode

Servo Driven Air Data Computer”. USPTO Patent Full-
Text and Image Database. United States Patent and Trade-
mark Office. June 26, 1973.

1
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