Aircraft Systems
10Technical encyclopedia of aircraft systems — from fly-by-wire flight controls to advanced avionics and emergency systems.
Fly-By-Wire Flight Control System
Flight ControlsElectronic flight control replacing mechanical linkages with electrical signals processed by flight control computers.
Flight Control Surfaces
Flight ControlsPrimary (ailerons, elevators, rudder) and secondary (flaps, slats, spoilers) aerodynamic surfaces that control aircraft attitude and trajectory.
Autopilot System
Flight ControlsComputer-controlled system that maintains aircraft heading, altitude, and speed without continuous pilot input, from simple wing-levelers to full autoland.
Auto-Throttle / Autothrust System
Flight ControlsEngine power management system that automatically adjusts thrust to maintain target speed, Mach number, or vertical speed.
Yaw Damper
Flight ControlsAutomatic stability augmentation system that detects and counteracts Dutch roll oscillations in swept-wing aircraft by commanding small rudder deflections.
Trim System
Flight ControlsSystem that adjusts baseline aerodynamic forces to maintain straight-and-level flight without continuous control input, using trim tabs or movable stabilizers.
High-Lift Devices
Flight ControlsLeading-edge slats and trailing-edge flaps that increase wing camber and area for more lift at low speeds during takeoff and landing.
Spoiler and Speed Brake System
Flight ControlsPanels on the wing upper surface that deploy to increase drag or disrupt lift for descent control and stopping.
Stall Protection System
Flight ControlsSafety system (stick shaker, stick pusher, alpha limiter) that warns of impending stall and prevents exceeding critical angle of attack.
Flight Control Computer
Flight ControlsRedundant digital computers (typically triple or quadruplex) that process pilot inputs and sensor data to command flight control actuators in FBW aircraft.