What is "Fly By Wire" in flying terms?

Question

I recently went to a local airshow and they mentioned that an RAF Typhoon which appeared could "Fly By Wire" although because of the immense noise, I couldn't hear exactly what the commentator said it was haha!

Answer 1

For many years, flight controls surfaces were connected to the controls by cables.
Fly by wire is where electronic signals are sent from the controls by wire to a servo that controls the flight control surfaces, in essence, moving them by electrical impulses rather than by mechanical means (cables, pulleys, bell cranks, etc)
An example is the BMW Z4 roadster. Instead of having a cable from the accelerator pedal to the fuel induction system, it is electronically controlled.

Answer 2

Fly-By-Wire is used in many Aircraft that are normally unstable in 1 or more Axises.
The Pilot moves the Flight Controls, this sends signals to a Computer System. The Computer then makes the proper adjustments to the Controls Surfaces to make the A/C respond as the Pilot wishes. It then sends the signals to the Actuators with move the Control Surfaces as Required.

A good Example of this it the X-29. This Forward Swept Wing Experimental is NOT Flyable without using Fly-By-Wire.

The B-2 Stealth Bomber is another example. Jack Northrop worked on a Flying Wing for YEARS starting in the 40's, but despite trying various engine and control configurations could not get it stable and out of the Experimental Stage. Fly-By-Wire Technology makes this A/C Flyable.

Answer 3

FBW is a term for aircraft, not just military, that take the pilot's inputs via the controls, and use computers to manipulate the attitude, altitude and engine power. One of the first, if not the first to use this system was the F16A. Originally, the stick and pedals didn't move; transducers measured the force and applied it via flight computers. Pilot annoyance with this "feature" forced a mod that allows the stick/pedals some movement. In fact, the F18 and Grypen have full motion controls even though they are FBW.
The next generation is "Fly by Light". This is fiber optic cables running throughout the aircraft carrying the flight control information. The F35 is FBL; kinda surprised the Typhoon isn't, though given its long development time (not unlike the F22) i guess I really shouldn't be. I BELIEVE that the F22 and B2 are also FBL, though not sure.

Answer 4

Old school aircraft had either hydraulic lines or direct cable connections to operate the controls. In fact that is still widely used. But a fly by wire system uses electric motors at each control surface with the control inputs being transmitted by wires. This system was one of the selling points for the F-16 when it was built. I allows greater refinement of the control system, and it is much easier to set up stability enhancing computer control.

Answer 5

The control stick has no mechanical or hydraulic connection to the control surfaces.The control surfaces, the rudder, ailerons and the elevator are activated by electrically actuated motors and servos. Fly by wire is found in all Airbuses and most modern fighters. Drive by wire, electric throttle control is fairly common on high end cars. Brake by wire is out on the market in some cars, steer by wire hybrid is found on new BMW's.(not a pure steer by wire system yet)

Answer 6

The aircraft is actually flown by computer, which reads the input from the pilot and performs the desired manuver. The latest generation of military (and, increasingly, some civilian) aircraft operate in a very narrow window of stability, and a human pilot's reflexes aren't quick enough or precise enough to make the exact corrections required.

Answer 7

It Means if The Plane is out of fuel and/or hydraulic power The plane can still be under control via elevators and rudders)like on a A320.
But with a 747-100 If It is out of fuel and/or hydraulic power you can't steer the plane via elevators and rudders.

Answer 8

Simply means it`s like a joystick on your computer. there are no mechanical attachments to the controls in your hand. Unlike the old cables or hydraulic controls there is no pressure or "feedback" to the stick

Answer 9

electronics (wire) control the flight surfaces, there is no direct connection betweeb the joy stick and pedals such as a cabel or hydrolics

Answer 10

electronics