Aircraft Avionics Systems

The term avionics encompasses the design, production, installation, use, and maintenance of electronic equipment mounted in an aircraft. Avionics systems continue to advance at a more rapid pace than any other part of the aircraft. Additionally, most of these advancements have resulted from the same technology that produced personal computers and the telecommunications industry. Basic VHF communications and navigation systems used in aviation today were developed in the 1940s, but the introduction of newer systems has increased dramatically in recent years. This chapter provides an overview of the types of avionics and autopilot equipment that are in widespread use, and the latest developments that are presently being installed in aircraft.