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Avionics

Electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft for navigation, communication, and flight control.

Avionics — illustration from Wikipedia
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TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Avionics refers to the electronic systems and components, including navigation, communication, flight control, and display systems, essential for the operation and mission execution of aerospace vehicles like aircraft, satellites, and rockets.

BACKGROUND

Leonardo S.p.A., is an Italian multinational company specialising in aerospace, defence and security. Headquartered in Rome, the company has 180 sites worldwide. It is the 12th largest defence contractor in the world based on 2020 revenues. The company is partially owned by the Italian government, which holds 30.2% of the company's shares and is its largest shareholder.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Aircraft electronics
  • Aerospace electronics
  • Flight systems
  • Nav-com systems

USAGE NOTE

Modern aircraft heavily rely on integrated avionics suites for autonomous flight and pilot assistance.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Avionics.

  • Honeywell Aerospace

    Honeywell Aerospace is a leading global supplier of avionics, providing integrated flight systems, navigation, communication, surveillance, and flight control systems for a wide range of commercial, military, and space applications.

  • Collins Aerospace

    A business unit of Raytheon Technologies, Collins Aerospace is a major developer and producer of advanced avionics systems, including integrated avionics, flight decks, communications, navigation, and surveillance systems for commercial, military, and business aircraft, as well as space platforms.

  • Thales

    Thales is a global technology leader providing avionics solutions for civil and military aviation, including flight management systems, communication and navigation systems, surveillance radars, and integrated modular avionics (IMA) architectures.

  • BAE Systems

    BAE Systems develops advanced avionics for military aircraft and space applications, focusing on flight controls, mission computing, helmet-mounted displays, electronic warfare systems, and vehicle management systems.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Northrop Grumman is a major defense and aerospace company that designs, develops, and integrates critical avionics systems for spacecraft, aircraft, and unmanned systems, covering flight control, navigation, communications, and mission processing.

  • Airbus Defence and Space

    As part of the Airbus Group, this division develops and manufactures avionics for launch vehicles (e.g., Ariane), satellites, and space exploration missions, encompassing flight computers, data handling units, and navigation systems.

  • SpaceX

    SpaceX designs and manufactures its own sophisticated avionics systems, including flight computers, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, and communication equipment for its Falcon launch vehicles and Starship spacecraft.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that integrates and develops advanced avionics for a wide range of platforms, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft for various government and commercial programs.

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