An amplifier is also a part of the autopilot computer which is used to strengthen the signal for processing. The A/P computer is a controller that collects and sums the signals. In each case, the basic principle of generating a signal is – moving the primary coil relative to the secondary and the induction into the secondary is proportional to the amount of overlap between the two coils. Most modern aircraft use an LVDT or RVDT. This transducer can be a potentiometer or variable resistor type. It is a device to generate an electrical signal in response to an aircraft movement. The sensing element is usually called pick-off. There are 4 basic components of autopilot – Then feedback signals from the servo (output signal) and sensing unit (input signal) are sent back to the A/P computer. This moves the control surfaces to return the aircraft to the datum. A/P servos are an electrically powered motor or hydraulically powered jack. A signal is sent to the computer (A/P computer or controller) where it is amplified and sent to the autopilot servo in the flight control system. When the autopilot (A/P) is selected ON, and if the aircraft moves from its given path, this is sensed by the sensing unit (usually gyro). For that autothrottle system is integrated into the flight director and autopilot systems with glide scope modes. If we see the level of integration, auto landings are also possible using autopilot. AFCS combines these all commands into a single flight control interface for better management and control of aircraft. Most AFCS are now more advanced and they are integrated with navigational aids, flight directors, and autothrottle systems. The nomenclature of the autopilot system might be a little different for different aircraft models, but the system and working principle are almost the same.ĪFCS capabilities vary from aircraft to aircraft autopilot systems. These systems are called automatic flight control systems (AFCS). Some high performance and large transport category aircraft have very elaborated autopilot systems. High-performance transport categories of aircraft have autopilots with higher capabilities than light aircraft. There are many autopilot systems available in the industry but they feature a wide range of capabilities and complexity. Two-axis and three-axis autopilot systems can be found on aircraft of all sizes. Single-axis autopilot usually found in light aircraft. Three-Axis: Control the ailerons, elevators, and rudder.Two-Axis: Control the ailerons and elevators.For that, a separate flight control panel is given.Īutopilot system can be categorised into – However, pilots can change or override the autopilot command during flight. Now, we can say autopilot closely works with flight management computers to take programmed inputs. The autopilot system automatically corrects the error and restores the flight attitude desired by the pilot. When an aircraft fails to meet the inputs given by FMC or pilots, an error signal is generated, and this error has to be corrected to achieve desired outputs. The basis of autopilot operation is error correction. These computers are called Flight Management Computers (FMC) and the whole system to manage flights is called Flight Management System (FMS). You might have heard the term cockpit preparation.ĭuring cockpit preparation, pilots use computers to program an entire flight profile ahead of time allowing them to supervise its execution. To understand the working of autopilot first you should know what the pilot actually does before autopilot takes the control of aircraft. Then autopilot moves the flight control surfaces to attain and maintain these parameters. In automatic mode, the pilot selects the attitude and direction for a particular flight. Then autopilot moves the flight control surfaces to perform the maneuver. In manual mode, the pilot selects each maneuver and makes small inputs into autopilot. The main purpose of the autopilot system is to relieve the flight-crew of controlling the aircraft’s attitude for the entire duration of the flight.Īutopilot has two modes of operation i.e manual and automatic. Early autopilot systems did this function during cruise only, but most autopilot now controls all flight from take-off to landing. The autopilot system is capable of keeping aircraft stabilized in all three axes laterally, longitudinally, and vertically. The autopilot controls the aircraft using servos.
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