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What is Avionics?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Short for aviation electronics, avionics is the field that involves the assembly and installation of electronic systems on all types of airborne and space related devices. Avionics play a role in the construction of airplanes ranging from small planes to large commercial aircraft. At the same time, avionics is essential to the creation and ongoing function of satellites and all types of spacecraft.

The motivation behind the establishment of avionics as a specific field is usually considered to be related to military needs. Prior to the 1970’s, various electronic components and systems were developed under various types of disciplines, but not really considered in relation to functionality as a working unit. As the need for faster and more centrally controlled functionality became apparent, aviation electronics became the process of integrating all these various individual electronics into a cohesive working master system that would increase the overall efficiency of the aircraft.

Avionics is essential to the creation and function of spacecraft.
Avionics is essential to the creation and function of spacecraft.

This is not to say that the commercial sector has not also benefited from the military efforts to employ avionics in aircraft design. In fact, commercial airlines have employed many of the same approaches to great effect. As computer technology continued to evolve in the latter part of the 20th century, avionics relied heavily on this technology to help create integrated platforms to drive such essential functions as communications, systems displays, and automatic navigation systems.

The avionics on a Boeing 747 enable its crew to receive accurate data regarding its position in the air.
The avionics on a Boeing 747 enable its crew to receive accurate data regarding its position in the air.

As the use of commercial airlines has continued to increase worldwide, avionics has, out of necessity, continued to refine systems integration protocols and structures, allowing aircraft to move faster while operating at higher levels of efficiency. At the same time, avionics has also helped to enhance the safety of persons traveling by air, as the devices often make it possible to monitor weather conditions, the location of other aircraft in the immediate vicinity, and other obstacles that could pose a threat to the airliner.

Equipment on an aircraft's instrument panel can tell pilots how close they are to radio navigation beacons on the ground.
Equipment on an aircraft's instrument panel can tell pilots how close they are to radio navigation beacons on the ground.

Developments in avionics have also helped space programs to move beyond the limits that seemed to be constant in earlier decades. Advances in communication systems, remote navigation, and directional guidance have helped to make it possible to gather data using probes and satellites in a way that was only dreamed of a few years ago. As humankind continues to look for more ways to utilize air travel and to reach into the cosmos, avionics will no doubt continue to evolve.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Avionics is essential to the creation and function of spacecraft.
      By: Mechanik
      Avionics is essential to the creation and function of spacecraft.
    • The avionics on a Boeing 747 enable its crew to receive accurate data regarding its position in the air.
      By: hallucion_7
      The avionics on a Boeing 747 enable its crew to receive accurate data regarding its position in the air.
    • Equipment on an aircraft's instrument panel can tell pilots how close they are to radio navigation beacons on the ground.
      By: pixel974
      Equipment on an aircraft's instrument panel can tell pilots how close they are to radio navigation beacons on the ground.
    • The most advanced fighter aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor, may have airspeed indicators that are projected within a pilot's helmet or on a traditional heads up display (HUD).
      By: dreamnikon
      The most advanced fighter aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor, may have airspeed indicators that are projected within a pilot's helmet or on a traditional heads up display (HUD).
    • The avionics on an F-16 Fighting Falcon prevent it from making turns that are so tight that the G-forces would kill the pilot.
      By: McCarthys_PhotoWorks
      The avionics on an F-16 Fighting Falcon prevent it from making turns that are so tight that the G-forces would kill the pilot.
    • Avionics is important to satellites.
      By: yuriy
      Avionics is important to satellites.