Answer :
The Airbus A320 flight control system is an advanced and highly sophisticated system that represents a significant departure from traditional mechanical and hydraulic flight control systems. Here are the key features and components of the Airbus A320 flight control system:
### Fly-By-Wire Technology
- **Fly-by-Wire (FBW):** The A320 was the first commercial aircraft to feature a full fly-by-wire flight control system. In this system, the pilot's inputs are converted into electronic signals, which are then interpreted by the flight control computers to move the control surfaces.
### Flight Control Computers
- **Primary Flight Control Computers (PFCCs):** These include the Elevator and Aileron Computers (ELACs) and the Spoiler and Elevator Computers (SECs). They process pilot inputs and control the primary flight surfaces.
- **Flight Augmentation Computers (FACs):** These computers handle rudder control, flight envelope protection, and other augmentation functions.
### Control Surfaces
- **Elevators:** Controlled by the ELACs, they manage the pitch of the aircraft.
- **Ailerons:** Also controlled by the ELACs, they manage the roll of the aircraft.
- **Rudder:** Controlled by the FACs, it manages the yaw of the aircraft.
- **Spoilers:** Controlled by the SECs, they assist in roll control and act as speed brakes.
- **Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer (THS):** Used for pitch trimming and controlled by the flight control computers.
### Flight Envelope Protection
- **Normal Law:** Provides full flight envelope protection, preventing the aircraft from exceeding certain limits in terms of pitch, bank angle, and speed.
- **Alternate Law:** A reduced level of protection that comes into effect if there is a degradation in the system.
- **Direct Law:** The system reverts to this mode if both normal and alternate laws are unavailable, giving the pilot direct control without flight envelope protection.
- **Mechanical Backup:** In the unlikely event of total failure of the electronic systems, mechanical control is available for the rudder and manual trim for the THS.
### Sidestick Controllers
- **Sidesticks:** Unlike traditional yokes, the A320 uses sidestick controllers for pilot inputs. These sidesticks are not mechanically linked; instead, they send electronic signals to the flight control computers.
### Redundancy and Safety
- **Multiple Redundancies:** The system is designed with multiple redundancies to ensure safety. There are multiple flight control computers, and the control surfaces have redundant actuators.
- **Automatic Reversion:** If a fault is detected in one part of the system, control is automatically transferred to a backup system.
### Advantages
- **Enhanced Safety:** The flight envelope protection helps prevent loss of control incidents.
- **Reduced Pilot Workload:** Automation and flight control laws reduce the need for constant manual inputs, especially in critical phases of flight.
- **Improved Handling Characteristics:** The system provides smooth and precise control inputs.
Overall, the Airbus A320 flight control system is a pioneering technology that has significantly influenced modern aircraft design, enhancing safety, reliability, and performance.
