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 vehicle’s 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.
