Ultimate Guide to Aircraft Instrument Parts and Avionics Components

Aircraft Instruments and Avionics Components

Aircraft instruments and avionics refers to the Electronic Systems used on Aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft. These systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to perform individual functions.

We supply aircraft instruments and avionics equipment from top manufacturers around the world. Some of the manufacturers that provide high-quality components are: Aerosonic, Honeywell, Bendix King, Sigma Tek, Gull, Ametek/GE, S-TEC, and Farem srl.

• GPS Navigational Systems    

Aviators all over the world rely on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to safely navigate and maneuver their aircraft. GPS allows pilots to obtain precise three-dimensional location data during all stages of flight using triangulation; GPS can also track speed, relative distance, and time. With its continuous, accurate, and comprehensive mapping capabilities, it offers seamless satellite navigation that satisfies many requirements for pilots.

A typical GPS system is composed of three integral systems: the ground control segment, the user segment, and the space (satellite) segment. The ground control segment is comprised of a series of ground stations that are used to interpret and relay satellite signals to various receivers. These ground stations have a master control station, twelve ground antennas, and sixteen monitoring posts. The user segment of the GPS system involves different receivers from various industries such as national security, agriculture, space, surveying, and mapping. A pilot is typically considered the user component in aviation GPS; however, autopilot systems can also utilize data provided by GPS. The last component is space, which consists of 31 satellites. A minimum of 24 satellites are in operation at any given moment, ensuring that at least four satellites are in view from any point on Earth. This complete coverage makes GPS technology the most reliable navigation system in modern aeronautics.

Satellites that communicate with GPS systems orbit approximately 12,000 miles above the Earth. They are solar powered and transmit radio signals to receivers that are stationed on the ground. The GPS system receives the signals and uses triangulation— data from at least three satellites— to calculate its precise location two dimensionally. With the needed satellites in view, a three-dimensional location can be obtained.

• Aircraft Antennae

Aircraft communication systems, navigation components, and data devices all rely on the functioning capabilities of antennae. Without the existence of antennas, aircraft would have a much harder time functioning. Modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 are constructed with more than 20 antennae that extend from the fuselage, cockpit, wings, and tail. Aircraft are becoming more interconnected with advancements in technology, specifically, antennas.

Antennas also provide satellite communications, marker beacons, weather radars, radio navigation technology, and many more functions. The aforementioned Boeing 787 features antennas for its landing instruments, air traffic control, traffic collision avoidance systems, and many other functions. Proper maintenance and routine inspections should be practiced ensuring its longevity.

• Avionics

Electronic circuits are built from a small number of standard components, and similarly to a LEGO, you can arrange these components together in a vast number of ways to complete an array of jobs. Fundamental electronic components include resistors, diodes, capacitors, transistors, and relays.

Resistors are the simplest part in any circuit. Their main function is to limit the flow of electrons and decrease the current (voltage) that is flowing by transforming electrical energy into heat. Resistors can come in any different size or shape, and choosing one depends on specific application requirements. Devices that have volume controls are known to use variable resistors that contain a dial on them and can be manually operated.

Diodes are comparable to one-way streets in a city; electric currents flow through them strictly in one direction. Sometimes diodes are referred to as rectifiers. These diodes also have the special ability to change alternating currents into direct currents.

Capacitors are designed with simplicity in mind, similar to resistors. They consist of two pieces of conducting material separated by a non-conducting material referred to as a dielectric. Capacitors are commonly used in timing devices; however, they can transform electrical currents in multiple ways.

Transistors can function in various ways; they can switch electric currents on and off or amplify them as a whole. In computers, transistors that act as switches mainly serve memory functions. When they act as amplifiers, they can boost the volume in items such as radios. When two transistors are combined together, they form a new device called a logic gate. These logic gates are effective in carrying out basic decision-making processes.

In layman's terms, a relay is essentially an electrically operated switch. Relays use an electromagnetic mechanism to operate the switch it is assigned to. This isn’t the case for all of them though; other relays can function with solid-state technology that sends a small external voltage which triggers the on and off tool. Relays have the ability to control a high current circuit with a low current signal. They can also sense when there is a malfunction in the power distribution system. You can find relays in computers, home appliances, traffic control systems, telecommunications, automobiles, and many other electronically powered products. 

Aircraft Instruments and Avionics Components

Aircraft instruments and avionics refers to the Electronic Systems used on Aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft. These systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to perform individual functions.

We supply aircraft instruments and avionics equipment from top manufacturers around the world. Some of the manufacturers that provide high-quality components are: Aerosonic, Honeywell, Bendix King, Sigma Tek, Gull, Ametek/GE, S-TEC, and Farem srl.

• GPS Navigational Systems    

Aviators all over the world rely on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to safely navigate and maneuver their aircraft. GPS allows pilots to obtain precise three-dimensional location data during all stages of flight using triangulation; GPS can also track speed, relative distance, and time. With its continuous, accurate, and comprehensive mapping capabilities, it offers seamless satellite navigation that satisfies many requirements for pilots.

A typical GPS system is composed of three integral systems: the ground control segment, the user segment, and the space (satellite) segment. The ground control segment is comprised of a series of ground stations that are used to interpret and relay satellite signals to various receivers. These ground stations have a master control station, twelve ground antennas, and sixteen monitoring posts. The user segment of the GPS system involves different receivers from various industries such as national security, agriculture, space, surveying, and mapping. A pilot is typically considered the user component in aviation GPS; however, autopilot systems can also utilize data provided by GPS. The last component is space, which consists of 31 satellites. A minimum of 24 satellites are in operation at any given moment, ensuring that at least four satellites are in view from any point on Earth. This complete coverage makes GPS technology the most reliable navigation system in modern aeronautics.

Satellites that communicate with GPS systems orbit approximately 12,000 miles above the Earth. They are solar powered and transmit radio signals to receivers that are stationed on the ground. The GPS system receives the signals and uses triangulation— data from at least three satellites— to calculate its precise location two dimensionally. With the needed satellites in view, a three-dimensional location can be obtained.

• Aircraft Antennae

Aircraft communication systems, navigation components, and data devices all rely on the functioning capabilities of antennae. Without the existence of antennas, aircraft would have a much harder time functioning. Modern aircraft such as the Boeing 787 are constructed with more than 20 antennae that extend from the fuselage, cockpit, wings, and tail. Aircraft are becoming more interconnected with advancements in technology, specifically, antennas.

Antennas also provide satellite communications, marker beacons, weather radars, radio navigation technology, and many more functions. The aforementioned Boeing 787 features antennas for its landing instruments, air traffic control, traffic collision avoidance systems, and many other functions. Proper maintenance and routine inspections should be practiced ensuring its longevity.

• Avionics

Electronic circuits are built from a small number of standard components, and similarly to a LEGO, you can arrange these components together in a vast number of ways to complete an array of jobs. Fundamental electronic components include resistors, diodes, capacitors, transistors, and relays.

Resistors are the simplest part in any circuit. Their main function is to limit the flow of electrons and decrease the current (voltage) that is flowing by transforming electrical energy into heat. Resistors can come in any different size or shape, and choosing one depends on specific application requirements. Devices that have volume controls are known to use variable resistors that contain a dial on them and can be manually operated.

Diodes are comparable to one-way streets in a city; electric currents flow through them strictly in one direction. Sometimes diodes are referred to as rectifiers. These diodes also have the special ability to change alternating currents into direct currents.

Capacitors are designed with simplicity in mind, similar to resistors. They consist of two pieces of conducting material separated by a non-conducting material referred to as a dielectric. Capacitors are commonly used in timing devices; however, they can transform electrical currents in multiple ways.

Transistors can function in various ways; they can switch electric currents on and off or amplify them as a whole. In computers, transistors that act as switches mainly serve memory functions. When they act as amplifiers, they can boost the volume in items such as radios. When two transistors are combined together, they form a new device called a logic gate. These logic gates are effective in carrying out basic decision-making processes.

In layman's terms, a relay is essentially an electrically operated switch. Relays use an electromagnetic mechanism to operate the switch it is assigned to. This isn’t the case for all of them though; other relays can function with solid-state technology that sends a small external voltage which triggers the on and off tool. Relays have the ability to control a high current circuit with a low current signal. They can also sense when there is a malfunction in the power distribution system. You can find relays in computers, home appliances, traffic control systems, telecommunications, automobiles, and many other electronically powered products.