Autothrottle

[1][2] On Boeing-type aircraft, A/T can be used in all flight phases from takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, all the way to land or go-around, barring malfunction.

A release of manual override allows A/T to regain control, and the throttle will go back to the A/T commanded position except for two modes (Boeing type aircraft): IDLE and THR HLD.

[2] A primitive autothrottle was first fitted to later versions of the Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter late in World War II.

The RA-5C Vigilante used an autothrottle actuated by the input from accelerometers installed in the tail which caused the throttle to be sensitive to movement of the stabilator.

[3][4][5] Shortly after AutoPower's success, two companies, Sperry (now part of Honeywell) and Collins started competing in the development of an autothrottle, with more and more liners and business jets being equipped with it.

Thrust levers of an A320 set to the autothrust position during cruise flight