Integrating fly-by-light/power-by-wire flight control systems on transport aircraft

The ever increasing performance and economy of operation requirements placed on transport aircraft are resulting in very complex, highly integrated digital aircraft control systems. Despite the great increase in complexity mandated by these integrated aircraft control and management systems, substantial improvements in reliability, maintainability, weight savings, manufacturability, and survivability are also required. Fly-By-Light (FBL) and Power-By-Wire (PBW) technologies and their integration offer the potential of providing lightweight, highly capable, flexible, and robust aircraft control and power systems to meet the demanding requirements placed on future transport aircraft. This paper discusses FBL/PBW technologies and integration on transport aircraft