Integrated avionics for critical systems

Today, the aerospace industry is looking to integrate aircraft critical systems flight controls, wings, engines, landing gear, etc. – into one highly integrated and intelligent system. That is what the Thales Group, in collaboration with Bombardier Aerospace, is working on as part of the integrated avionics for critical systems project.

The proposition is to put all these separate systems on a network, on the same computer platform. Instead of having different electronic units, Thales Canada wants to implement, in the aircraft, a standard electronic platform capable of accepting these critical functions and networking them.

Right away, this should save weight by reducing the amount of copper used in the aircraft. But by linking these functions in a network, it will also be possible to adjust and optimize their performance. This could translate into lighter structures, reduced drag, lower operating energy requirements and, therefore, fuel savings.

Furthermore, passenger comfort could be enhanced in an intelligent aircraft. For example, the effects of turbulence could be cushioned using the flight controls and make changes of direction smoothly through a better coordination of yaw and roll.

The intelligent aircraft will also be highly adaptable because it will be easier to reconfigure it to change its original mission and functions. Therefore, the ability of the aircraft to be more productive throughout its life will be increased.