THE ROLE OF COMPUTERS IN FLY BY WIRE AIRCRAFT. AN INTRODUCTION TO FLY BY WIRE(FBW): Traditionally pilots use an inceptor (a wheel, control column, or sidestick) to manipulate cables that control pumps and hydraulic actuators. The actuators in turn operate surfaces such as flaps, ailerons and rudders to provide the necessary effect (e.g. roll left, yaw right etc). The FBW inceptor is usually a sidestick (so called because it is mounted on the …showed first 75 words of 1706 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1706 total…all new airliners and combat aircraft have incorporated FBW technology. Indeed I am surprised as to why it took so long to gain recognition as the next generation in FCS. But FBW is not in any way restricted to the air-going type traffic, a cunning variant has already been incorporated into Formula 1 racing cars, and soon we will probably be “going for a spin” in Drive By Wire saloons. I for one can’t wait.