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Insights - Executive Jets
Benefits of Full Fly-By-Wire Flight Controls
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Unless you’re familiar with aeronautics, it’s likely you’re unaware of what full fly-by-wire flight controls are and the many advantages it provides.
Fly-by-wire (FBW) is a system that replaces mechanical flight controls for digital flight controls. Prior to these advancements, pilots relied on a system of mechanical parts such as pushrods, tension cables, pulleys and chains to maintain the desired trajectory.
While the idea of flying electronically was not a new one, the concept was first utilized in NASA’s Gemini and Apollo programs. In fact, the Lunar Module piloted by Neil Armstrong during Apollo 11 in 1969 employed a digital computer-driven FBW system. Engineers and test pilots continued to assess FBW with no mechanical backup in an F-8C Crusader in 1972. Over the course of 210 test flights, the program was deemed a success, which paved the way for every spacecraft, commercial, military and executive aircraft flown today.
The advancement of digital flight controls alleviated the drawbacks of a mechanical flight control system. By no longer needing mechanical parts, the aircraft becomes lighter, faster, and fuel-efficient. FBW also works seamlessly in the background to help the pilot’s action and reduce its workload. Maintenance is also simplified due to fewer moving parts.
The world’s most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize and super-midsize business jets, the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 are the only business jets in their class currently on the market with these features. And while FBW primarily benefits pilots, for those riding in the cabin, there are three main benefits you’ll find inside these jets.
Comfort
Active turbulence reduction is a top benefit of full FBW. This capability acts as shock absorbers in the sky. If you have ever ridden over a bump in a vehicle with poor shocks, you can expect oscillations; however, if you ride in a vehicle with good shocks, you can expect a smoother ride. Active turbulence reduction dampens that up and down movement during turbulence. Those riding in the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 can expect ultimate comfort due to this benefit as well as its best-in-class cabin altitude and ultra-quiet environment, allowing you to rest and arrive without fatigue.
Technology
Most high-end cars today include technological features such as lane assist and emergency braking. These enhancements are there to help detect road conditions and correct drivers when necessary. Similarly, full FBW keeps you in a safety envelope since it automatically responds and helps the pilot in situations where aircraft safety is concerned, such as low speed, high speed, or if an engine stops working. Additionally, full FBW technology requires less maintenance and reduces downtime by 40%.
Performance
Imagine that you are riding a motorcycle that never falls over. You can confidently lean into the sharpest turn possible without the fear of touching the ground or overturning. Full FBW acts the same way by allowing the aircraft to fly at its maximum performance while staying within its safety envelope. While this provides many benefits, one of the most beneficial for passengers is the opportunity to fly into a wider variety of airports with short runways including Angra dos Reis and Santa Monica. Not every midsize and super-midsize aircraft can fly into those airports, but both the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 make this possible due to its enviable takeoff and landing performance.
All these benefits and more associated with full FBW flight controls are in both the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600, the only midsize and super-midsize business jets currently on the market with these features. They truly are different by design, disruptive by choice.
To learn more about the most disruptive and technologically advanced midsize and super-midsize business jets, the Praetor 500 and the Praetor 600, please visit here for the Praetor 500 and here for the Praetor 600.
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