When less means more

摘要

The shrinking size of electronics continues to reshape aeronautics, making it possible to combine multiple control systems in one box. Smaller electronics also make it possible to give pilots more assistance from takeoff through landing, improving safety in many ways. Gone are the days when requirements were written for standalone boxes operating in discrete environments. Today's systems perform multiple functions, eliminating the size and weight of hardware that sometimes sat idle for much of the flight, seeing use only in takeoffs or landings.