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Old 22nd April 2013 | 19:15
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HeliStudent
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 174
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From: Aberdare, Wales
I don't mind FBW engine controls (FADEC) but not so sure about the desirability of full FBW flight controls.
Any yet fbw is being talked about (from what I have read) as something which will feature in next generation helicopters.

I understand about redundancy but isn't a wire or even several wires more vulnerable than a control rod? I mean its comparatively easy to damage/disrupt a wire/s compared to a control rod, isn't it?

including power generation to ensure the probability of a complete failure is extremely remote.
Probably each engine will have its own alternator but will there be additional back up systems such at the ram air turbine that airliners carry?

I fly a helicopter that requires hydraulic flight control boost - its unflyable without it
But these hydraulic boosts will still continue operating even after an engine failure for example so long at the rotors are turning the pumps?

I suppose what I am asking is, is there more vulnerability to helicopter safety in a FBW system than in conventional control? I understand in a massive airliner that having control rods etc. over long distances probably increases risk but in small to medium size helicopters wouldn't conventional control mechanisms be safer, especially for military operations?

Last edited by HeliStudent; 22nd April 2013 at 19:16.
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