Anair data computer (ADC) orcentral air data computer (CADC) computes critical real-time flight data.[1] It is an essentialavionics component found in modern aircraft. This computer, rather than individualinstruments, can determine thecalibrated airspeed, Mach number, altitude, andaltitude trend data from pressure and temperature inputs from an aircraft'spitot-static system.[2][3] In some very high-speed aircraft such as theSpace Shuttle,equivalent airspeed is calculated instead of calibrated airspeed. Air data computers usually also have an input oftotal air temperature. This enables the computation of static air temperature andtrue airspeed.
InAirbus aircraft the air data computer is combined with attitude, heading and navigation sources in a single unit known as theAir Data Inertial Reference Unit (ADIRU) which has now been replaced by theGlobal Navigation Air Data Inertial Reference System (GNADIRS).[4]
On the EmbraerEmbraer E-Jet family the concept has been refined further by splitting air data acquisition and measuring – performed by combined pitot/static "air data smart probes" with integrated sensors – and computation of parameters performed by "air data applications" (ADA) executed on non-dedicated processing units. As all information from the sensors is transmitted electrically, routing of pitot and static pressure lines through the aircraft and associated maintenance tasks is avoided.[5]
In simpler aircraft and helicopters, the air data computers, generally two in number, and smaller, lighter and simpler than an ADIRU, may be called air data units, although their internal computational power is still significant. They commonly have the pitot and static pressure inputs, as well asoutside air temperature from aplatinum resistance thermometer and may control heating of the pitot tube and static vent to prevent blockage due to ice. On simpler aircraft, there is usually not a fly-by-wire system so the outputs are typically to the cockpit altimeters or display system, flight data recorder and autopilot system. Output interfaces typically areARINC 429,Gillham or evenIEEE 1394 (Firewire). The data provided may be true airspeed, pressure altitude,density altitude andOutside Air Temperature (OAT), but with no involvement in aircraft attitude or heading, as there are nogyroscopes oraccelerometers fitted internally. These devices are usually autonomous and do not require pilot input, merely sending continuously updated data to the recipient systems while the aircraft is powered up. Some, like the Enhanced Software Configurable Air Data Unit (ESCADU)[6] are software configurable to suit many different aircraft applications.
Apart from commercial ADCs, there are available do-it-yourself, and open-source implementations.[7]
Electrical-mechanical air data computers were developed in the early 1950s to provide a central source of airspeed, altitude, and other signals to avionic systems that needed this data. A central air data computer avoided duplication of sensing equipment and could be more sophisticated and accurate.[8] The first air data computer was built by Kollsman Instruments for theB-52 bomber.[9]Bendix started producing a central air data computer in 1956 for use on US Air Force jet fighters.[10]Garrett AiResearch developed early central air data computer systems that integrated pneumatic, electrical, and electronic components.[11]
The late 1960s saw the introduction of digital air data computers. In 1967, Garrett AiResearch's ILAAS air data computer was the first all-digital unit.[12] TheDC-10 used Honeywell's digital air data system in 1969[13] and theF-14 CADC used on theF-14 in 1970 used customintegrated circuits.
From the late 1980s much of theUSAF andUSN aircraft fleets were retrofitted with theGEC Avionics Rochester-developed Standard Central Air Data Computer (SCADC).[14][15] Aircraft fitted included theA-4 Skyhawk,A-6 Intruder,A-7 Corsair,C-5A/B Galaxy,EA-6B Prowler,F-111 Aardvark,F-4 Phantom,S-3 Viking,C-141 Starlifter,C-135 Stratolifter,C-2 Greyhound, andE-2 Hawkeye,[16] for which the company received theQueen's Award for Technological Achievement.[17]