Hi DozyWannabe,
I especially don't like lazy assertions that have no basis in fact (examples of which include ..... Boeing's latest models do not rely on computers for control
It depends on how you define rely. They can be flown in "Direct" without any PFC computers. Airbus only allows Direct Law when the gear is down.
"What should be noted, however, is that none of these features limit the action of the pilot. The 777 design utilizes envelope protection in all of its functionality rather than envelope limiting . Envelope protection deters pilot inputs from exceeding certain predefined limits but does not prohibit it. Envelope limiting prevents the pilot from commanding the airplane beyond set limits. For example, the 777 bank angle protection feature will significantly increase the wheel force a pilot encounters when attempting to roll the airplane past a predefined bank angle. This acts as a prompt to the pilot that the airplane is approaching the bank angle limit. However, if deemed necessary, the pilot may override this protection by exerting a greater force on the wheel than is being exerted by the backdrive actuator. The intent is to inform the pilot that the command being given would put the airplane outside of its normal operating envelope, but the ability to do so is not precluded. This concept is central to the design philosophy of the 777 Primary Flight Control System."
"Direct
—In the ‘‘Direct” mode, the ACEs do not process commands from the PFCs. Instead, each ACE decodes pilot commands directly from the pilot controller transducers and uses them for the closed loop servo control of the actuators. This mode will automatically be entered due to total failure of all three PFCs, failures internal to the ACEs, loss of the flight controls ARINC 629 data busses, or some combination of these failures. It may also be selected manually via the PFC disconnect switch on the overhead panel in the flight deck. The airplane handling characteristics in the “Direct” mode closely match those of the ‘‘Secondary” mode."
http://www.davi.ws/avionics/TheAvion...ook_Cap_11.pdf