Avionics

Unit – 2

Aircraft Instrumentation - Sensors and Displays

Air data sensors:

Air data sensors are devices used to measure various parameters related to the air surrounding an
aircraft or a vehicle. These sensors play a crucial role in providing essential information for the safe and
efficient operation of the vehicle. Some of the key air data parameters include airspeed, altitude,
vertical speed, and outside air temperature. Here are some common types of air data sensors:

Pitot Tube: A Pitot tube is a device that measures the dynamic pressure of the air, which is used to
calculate the airspeed of an aircraft. It has a forward-facing opening that captures the impact pressure
of the oncoming air.

Static Port: The static port is a device that measures the static pressure of the air, which is necessary for
determining the altitude of the aircraft. It is typically mounted on the side of the aircraft away from the
airflow disruptions caused by the wings and other protruding structures.

Air Data Computer (ADC): An ADC is a specialized computer that processes information from various air
data sensors to calculate and provide accurate air data parameters such as airspeed, altitude, and
vertical speed.

Total Air Temperature (TAT) Probe: This sensor measures the total air temperature, which includes both
the impact of the aircraft's forward motion and the static air temperature. TAT is essential for correcting
airspeed and other air data measurements.

Angle of Attack (AoA) Sensor: The AoA sensor measures the angle between the aircraft's longitudinal
axis and the oncoming air. It helps in determining the aircraft's stall condition and optimizing
performance.

Altitude Encoder: This device converts the aircraft's altitude information into a digital signal that can be
used by avionics systems and transponders.

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI): The VSI uses changes in static pressure to indicate the rate of climb or
descent of the aircraft.

Manifold Pressure Sensor: Common in piston-powered aircraft, this sensor measures the pressure of the
air in the engine's intake manifold and is used for engine performance calculations.

These sensors work together to provide accurate and reliable air data to the aircraft's avionics systems,
allowing for precise navigation, control, and communication. The data collected by these sensors are
crucial for the safety and efficiency of flight operations.
Magnetic Sensing:

Application: Electronic Compass

Use Case: Magnetic sensors are employed in avionics for electronic compass systems. They provide
information about the aircraft's heading by sensing changes in the Earth's magnetic field. This
information is critical for navigation, especially during flights where visual references may be limited.

Inertial Sensing:

Application: Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS)

Use Case: Inertial sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, are integrated into Inertial
Navigation Systems. They provide continuous information about the aircraft's acceleration, velocity, and
orientation. AHRS use inertial sensors to determine the aircraft's attitude (pitch, roll, and yaw). Inertial
sensing is particularly important during periods of limited or no GPS signal availability.

Radar Sensors:

Application: Weather Radar, Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS), Traffic Collision
Avoidance Systems (TCAS), Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS).

Radar sensors are extensively used in avionics for various purposes. Weather radar helps pilots detect
and navigate around hazardous weather conditions. TAWS uses radar to provide terrain mapping and
warnings. TCAS uses radar to detect and prevent collisions with other aircraft. GPWS uses radar to warn
of the aircraft's proximity to the ground.

The integration of these sensors contributes to a comprehensive avionics suite, providing pilots with
accurate and real-time information for navigation, flight control, and safety. Advanced avionics systems
often use sensor fusion techniques, combining data from multiple sensors to enhance accuracy and
reliability. For example, combining data from GPS, inertial sensors, and radar can provide a more robust
and resilient navigation solution, especially in challenging environments.

Electromechanical Instrumented Flight Deck

The term "electromechanical instrumented flight deck" refers to an aircraft cockpit equipped with
instruments that blend both electromechanical and electronic components to provide crucial flight
information to the pilot. Over the years, aviation technology has evolved from purely mechanical
instruments to incorporate electronic displays and systems, resulting in more advanced and efficient
flight decks. Here are key elements commonly found in an electromechanical instrumented flight deck:

Traditional Instruments:

Altimeter: Measures the aircraft's altitude above a reference point.

Airspeed Indicator: Displays the aircraft's airspeed.

Attitude Indicator (Artificial Horizon): Indicates the aircraft's pitch and roll attitude.

Turn Coordinator: Shows the rate of turn and roll information.

Heading Indicator (Directional Gyro): Displays the aircraft's heading.

Electronic Flight Instruments (EFIS):

Primary Flight Display (PFD): Replaces traditional attitude, airspeed, and altitude indicators with an
integrated electronic display.

Navigation Display (ND): Provides navigation-related information, such as maps, waypoints, and route
data.

Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS): Displays information about the aircraft's engines,
fuel, and other crucial systems.

Flight Management System (FMS):

Centralized System: Integrates navigation, performance, and automation features.

Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU): Allows pilots to input and manage flight plans and other
data.

Autopilot and Autothrottle Systems:

Automation: These systems automate certain aspects of flight control, reducing the workload on the
pilot.

Modes: Autopilot systems have various modes, such as heading hold, altitude hold, and approach
modes.

Electronic Standby Instruments:

Backup Systems: In case of primary instrument failure, modern flight decks often have electronic
standby instruments that can display essential flight information.

Communication and Navigation Radios:

Communication: Radios for air-to-ground and air-to-air communication.

Navigation: Radios for navigation aids, such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and GPS.

Weather Radar and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS):

Situational Awareness: These systems provide real-time weather information and alerts about nearby
traffic to enhance situational awareness.
Head-Up Display (HUD):

Projected Information: A transparent display that projects critical flight information onto the pilot's line
of sight.

The electromechanical instrumented flight deck reflects the transition from traditional analog
instruments to advanced electronic displays and systems, offering improved accuracy, reliability, and
functionality. This evolution has enhanced pilot situational awareness and contributed to overall flight
safety.

Early Flight Deck Instruments:

In the early days of aviation, flight deck instruments were simple, mostly analog devices designed to
provide basic information to pilots. These instruments were critical for maintaining control and
situational awareness during flight. Here are some early flight deck instruments:

Airspeed Indicator:

Description: Analog device displaying the aircraft's speed through the air.

Early Versions: Early airspeed indicators were often based on a diaphragm and mechanical linkage to
measure dynamic pressure.

Altimeter:

Description: Instrument indicating the aircraft's altitude above a reference point.

Early Versions: Early altimeters used aneroid capsules that expanded or contracted with changes in
atmospheric pressure.

Turn and Bank Indicator:

Description: Combined instrument indicating the rate of turn and the balance of the aircraft.

Early Versions: Early models relied on a needle and ball, showing the coordination of turns.

Heading Indicator (Directional Gyro):

Description: Instrument displaying the aircraft's heading.

Early Versions: Early heading indicators were often powered by a vacuum-driven gyroscope.

Artificial Horizon (Attitude Indicator):

Description: Instrument representing the aircraft's pitch and roll attitude.

Early Versions: Early attitude indicators used a gyroscope and mechanical linkage.
Vertical Speed Indicator:

Description: Instrument showing the rate of climb or descent.

Early Versions: Early vertical speed indicators used a diaphragm and mechanical linkage.

Compass:

Description: Magnetic instrument indicating the aircraft's direction.

Early Versions: Early compasses were often traditional magnetic compasses with a card that floated in a
liquid.

Engine Gauges:

Description: Instruments providing information about the engine's performance, such as RPM, manifold
pressure, and oil pressure.

Early Versions: Early engine gauges were typically analog devices with mechanical connections to the
engine systems.

Clock:

Description: Timekeeping instrument for navigation and coordination.

Early Versions: Early clocks were often mechanical and manually wound.

Radio and Communication Equipment:

Description: Basic radio equipment for communication and navigation.

Early Versions: Early radios were often large and had limited functionality compared to modern
communication systems.

Advanced Flight Deck Display System Architectures:

Advanced flight deck display system architectures have evolved significantly with the integration of
sophisticated technologies to enhance pilot situational awareness, improve decision-making, and
increase overall flight safety. The architectures often incorporate a combination of various display
technologies, processing units, sensors, and communication systems. Here are key components and
features commonly found in advanced flight deck display systems:

Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Navigation Display (ND):

Description: High-resolution, multifunctional displays presenting primary flight information (PFD) and
navigation-related data (ND).
Features: Integration of attitude, airspeed, altitude, navigation waypoints, and other critical flight
parameters. The displays may support synthetic vision for enhanced situational awareness.

Multifunction Displays (MFDs):

Description: Secondary displays capable of presenting various information, including system status,
weather, charts, and aircraft systems data.

Features: Configurable layouts, touch-screen interfaces, and the ability to display a wide range of
information to assist pilots in managing the flight.

Head-Up Display (HUD):

Description: Transparent display presenting critical flight information directly in the pilot's line of sight.

Features: Integration of navigation, flight path, and other relevant data, enhancing situational
awareness without requiring the pilot to look down at traditional instruments.

Electronic Flight Bag (EFB):

Description: Portable electronic device or integrated display providing real-time information, charts, and
documents.

Features: Integration with aircraft systems, wireless data connectivity, and the ability to access up-to-
date information for flight planning, weather, and performance calculations.

Flight Management System (FMS):

Description: Centralized computer system for flight planning, navigation, and performance
management.

Features: Integration with navigation databases, automated route planning, and communication with
other avionics systems.

Autopilot and Flight Control Systems:

Description: Computerized systems for automated control of the aircraft's flight path.

Features: Advanced autopilot modes, autothrottle systems, and envelope protection to enhance safety
and reduce pilot workload.

Synthetic Vision System (SVS):

Description: Computer-generated 3D representation of the external environment.

Features: Enhances situational awareness by providing a realistic depiction of terrain, obstacles, and
runways, even in low-visibility conditions.
Backup and Redundancy Systems:

Description: Electronic standby instruments and redundant systems to ensure continued functionality in
case of primary system failures.

Features: Digital or analog backup displays for critical flight parameters.

Communication and Data Connectivity:

Description: Advanced communication systems, including satellite communication and data links.

Features: Real-time data exchange for improved air traffic management, weather updates, and
operational communication.

Advanced Weather Radar and Sensors:

Description: Weather radar and advanced sensors for detecting and navigating around adverse weather
conditions.

Features: High-resolution weather displays, turbulence detection, and predictive weather avoidance
capabilities.

Future Flight Deck Displays:

The future of flight deck displays is expected to see continued advancements in technology, with a focus
on improving pilot situational awareness, reducing workload, and enhancing safety. Here are some
potential trends and features that could characterize future flight deck displays:

Large, High-Resolution Displays:

Future flight decks may feature even larger and higher-resolution displays, providing more screen real
estate for presenting critical information. This allows for better visualization of data and enhanced
readability.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR):

Integration of augmented reality and mixed reality technologies could overlay additional information
directly onto the pilot's view, blending virtual elements with the real-world environment to enhance
situational awareness.

Holographic Displays:

Holographic displays might offer three-dimensional representations of information, providing a more

immersive and intuitive way for pilots to interact with data.
Flexible and Bendable Displays:

Displays with flexible and bendable properties could allow for more creative and ergonomic cockpit
designs. Curved or wrap-around displays might be used to optimize the pilot's field of view.

Interactive Touch and Gesture Controls:

Touchscreen technology may become more advanced, allowing for interactive and customizable
displays. Gesture controls could enable pilots to manipulate and interact with data without physical
contact.

Voice-Activated Interfaces:

Enhanced natural language processing and voice recognition systems could enable pilots to control and
access information using voice commands, reducing the need for manual input.

Biometric Feedback Integration:

Integration of biometric sensors could provide real-time feedback on the pilot's physiological state,
helping to assess fatigue levels and overall well-being during the flight.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration:

AI algorithms could assist pilots by analyzing vast amounts of data, predicting potential issues, and
providing proactive suggestions. This can contribute to more informed decision-making.

Adaptive and Context-Aware Displays:

Displays that adapt to different phases of flight and provide context-aware information based on the
current situation. For example, during approach and landing, the display might prioritize runway
information.

Enhanced Connectivity and Data Sharing:

Improved connectivity and data-sharing capabilities could enable seamless communication between the
aircraft and ground systems, allowing for real-time updates on weather, air traffic, and other critical
information.

Energy-Efficient Displays:

Developments in energy-efficient display technologies may lead to reduced power consumption,

contributing to overall aircraft efficiency.

Increased Redundancy and Reliability:

Future flight deck displays are likely to incorporate advanced redundancy measures and fail-operational
systems to ensure continued functionality in the event of component failures.