whats the difference between airbus/boeing?
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FBW is where the movement command for a control surface is an electronic signal rather than a mechanical linkage (control rod). This signal is usually generated by a computer which in turn signals an actuator which moves the servo valve on a hydraulic actuator which moves the control surface. There are several advantages to this, the main one being the weight saving of dispensing with long bits of metal running through the plane.
FBW a/c also tend to have advanced stability and control laws on them which shape the pilot's (or autopilot's) inputs to give a desirable control response. This means that the pilot's perception of how the a/c flies may be very different to how it would fly with conventional controls. Indeed, many modern a/c (especially fighters) are unstable without the control laws running.
Hope this helps,
VTOL
FBW a/c also tend to have advanced stability and control laws on them which shape the pilot's (or autopilot's) inputs to give a desirable control response. This means that the pilot's perception of how the a/c flies may be very different to how it would fly with conventional controls. Indeed, many modern a/c (especially fighters) are unstable without the control laws running.
Hope this helps,
VTOL
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I will admit that I'm biased.
On a different note, Boeing civilian aircraft production is not subsidized by US taxpayers (since the KC-135/707 in the 50's), while Airbus airliners are subsidized by very many European taxpayers, which has allegedly allowed Airbus to sell many planes at or below cost (in order to compete around the globe), which is called "dumping". The production costs were kept very confidential for very good reasons. This was in "Aviation Week and ST". I've flown Boeing and Douglas (along with Lockheed, Embraer and Shorts) products but not Airbus, at least not yet.
Incidentally, some of our maintenance (engineers) call the A-320 a "throw away airplane", their words, because of so many lightweight composite parts. They claim that replacement parts for the A-320/319 are much more expensive than for McDonald Douglas or Boeing planes.
On a different note, Boeing civilian aircraft production is not subsidized by US taxpayers (since the KC-135/707 in the 50's), while Airbus airliners are subsidized by very many European taxpayers, which has allegedly allowed Airbus to sell many planes at or below cost (in order to compete around the globe), which is called "dumping". The production costs were kept very confidential for very good reasons. This was in "Aviation Week and ST". I've flown Boeing and Douglas (along with Lockheed, Embraer and Shorts) products but not Airbus, at least not yet.
Incidentally, some of our maintenance (engineers) call the A-320 a "throw away airplane", their words, because of so many lightweight composite parts. They claim that replacement parts for the A-320/319 are much more expensive than for McDonald Douglas or Boeing planes.
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Ignition:
I was wondering when this thread would get round to subsidies. Boeing received large amounts of US govt/taxpayers money to study/research a large military transport. It never got the contract but put the research to good use and built the 747. Airbus may receive grants, or more accurately 'repayable loans' but Boeing often export their aircraft through a third country, conveniently US laws permit them massive tax-benefits if they do this, and has been ruled illegal by the World Trade Org. I think a more fundamental truth is that all countries try to help their indigenous businesses, and complain that all other countries cheat.
I was wondering when this thread would get round to subsidies. Boeing received large amounts of US govt/taxpayers money to study/research a large military transport. It never got the contract but put the research to good use and built the 747. Airbus may receive grants, or more accurately 'repayable loans' but Boeing often export their aircraft through a third country, conveniently US laws permit them massive tax-benefits if they do this, and has been ruled illegal by the World Trade Org. I think a more fundamental truth is that all countries try to help their indigenous businesses, and complain that all other countries cheat.
