Digital flight control systems: some new commercial twists

The exponential increase in the number and complexity of aircraft digital electronic systems over the last decade has brought to light a number of fault and failure mechanisms not encountered with traditional mechanical and analog systems. One approach to handling these problems on future commercial aircraft is through the use of integrated modular avionics (IMAs). The issues and concepts associated with commercial IMAs are discussed. Some integration concepts for future fly-by-wire/fly-by-light commercial aircraft are considered. It is likely that highly integrated commercial modular avionics systems will be in service by the late 1990s or early twenty first century. It is expected that the extent and rapidity of modular avionics applications on commercial transport will depend largely on the flexibility and fault tolerance achievable at a reasonable cost as well as on the need for incorporation of new highly integrated systems