FADEC

Analogue electronic control varies an electrical signal to communicate the desired engine settings.

The system was an evident improvement over mechanical control but had its drawbacks, including common electronic noise interference and reliability issues.

Full authority analogue control was used in the 1960s and introduced as a component of the Rolls-Royce/Snecma Olympus 593 engine of the supersonic transport aircraft Concorde.

The first FADEC in service was the Rolls-Royce Pegasus engine developed for the Harrier II by Dowty and Smiths Industries Controls.

A turbocharged piston engine would require digital control over all intake airflow to meet the definition of FADEC.

For example, to avoid exceeding a certain engine temperature, the FADEC can be programmed to automatically take the necessary measures without pilot intervention.

Airbus Chief Strategy Officer Marwan Lahoud confirmed on 29 May that incorrectly installed engine control software caused the fatal crash.

The FADECs now apply the calculated take-off thrust setting by sending an electronic signal to the engines; there is no direct linkage to open fuel flow.

Maximum thrust is available for emergency situations if the power lever is advanced to full, but limitations can not be exceeded; the flight crew has no means of manually overriding the FADEC.

[citation needed] Note: Most modern FADEC controlled aircraft engines (particularly those of the turboshaft variety) can be overridden and placed in manual mode, effectively countering most of the disadvantages on this list.