These controllers eliminate the need for a flight engineer by managing the functions of all major airplane systems, such as the hydraulic and fuel systems. Three of the computers, coupled with a pair of new aircraft interface units linking them to the aircraft systems, replace 22 separate computers in the existing DC-10 design.Ī major benefit of the ACF derives from the airplane system controllers originally designed for the MD-11. The computers integrate such multiple functions as displays, flight management, data aquisition and central aural warning. These new-generation computers integrate the MD-10 flight deck display electronics and related software. Commonality with the MD-11 flight deck allows flight crews to move from one airplane to the other with minimal additional training. It features six 8- by 8-in displays that show all flight and systems information. Phase two of the FedEx MD-10 program is installation of the ACF, a liquid crystal display flight deck based on the integrated glass design in the MD-11. Federal Aviation Administration in late 1999, with first delivery to FedEx in early 2000. An 800-hr, three-airplane flight test program is planned to lead to certification by the U.S. Flight test of the first ACF-configured airplane is planned for late 1998. The launch customer for the program is Federal Express (FedEx), which will apply the flight-deck retrofit to 70 DC-10 Freighters. Additional maintenance and labor savings will result from commonality in an MD-10/MD-11 fleet, including same type ratings for pilots who fly either airplane. The MD-10 conversion achieves a weight savings of approximately 1,000 lb (454 kg). The conversion also replaces approximately 50 line replaceable units (LRU) with 19 state-of-the-art LRUs, improving reliability and decreasing inventory costs. so figure something similar for an L-1011-2000Ĭonverting DC-10s to MD-10s produces significant cost savings associated with changing to a two-person flight crew from a three-person flight crew. a lot of the systems architecture was similar, the screens are the same (except one is LCD other is CRT), so they did have that going for them. I think the MD10 project was made easier due to the existence of the MD11. Take aforementioned metric ton of money (still not enough IMHO), throw in a few computer controllers for the systems, and voila. most of the instruments that appear to be pitot/static in an airliner are in fact electromechanical receiving input from an ADC or three. Click to expand.It was quite the undertaking for this to happen, and it just proves that the TriStar could be made into glass as well.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |