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NASA Contribution: Digital Fly-by-Wire

NASA testing of digital fly-by-wire proved system is safe, lighter, more pilot responsive and efficient. Black and white image showing the digital fly-by-wire with a red gift tag that says, To: Aviation. From: NASA.

During the 1960s and 1970s, NASA helped develop and flight test the digital “fly-by-wire” system, which replaced heavier and less reliable hydraulics systems with a digital computer and electric wires to send signals from the pilot to the control surfaces of an aircraft.

Fly-by-wire is used today on many new commercial and military aircraft for the reasons it was first invented – to improve response to pilot commands, and to reduce aircraft weight and fuel use.

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Last Updated
Sep 13, 2023
Editor
Lillian Gipson
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