The
term “glass cockpit” is defined as a system of cathode ray tubes or LCD
flat-panels that display key critical information about an aircraft’s flight,
situation, position, and progress.
From
a performance standpoint, whether it is a turbine (jet) or reciprocal (piston)
power plant, information such as power output and all the various attributes
associated with it are displayed. Glass cockpits have been available in
commercial large-scale passenger and cargo aircraft since the early 80s and the
space shuttle since its inception. The
Airbus A320 commercial airliner is known for its advanced glass cockpit.
Airbus A-320 Cockpit MEDS Display of Orbiter Atlantis
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress Cockpit – note the 32 “steam gauges”!
Definition:
What is a “glass” cockpit?
A modern commercial example – The
Boeing 747 – “Then and Now”
History and Background –
Technology Profile
How does it work? – A brief explanation
of the glass cockpit components
The Transformation from commercial use to General Aviation – Recent Applications