Question

What is the relation between autopilot and FBW?

(a) FBW provides autopilot commands for roll, pitch, and yaw

(b) Autopilot provides FBW commands of roll, pitch, and yaw

(c) Autopilot is a part of FBW system

(d) Autopilot is not related to FBW

The question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.

I'd like to ask this question from Fly-By-Wire Technology topic in chapter Fly by Wire Flight Control of Avionics

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) Autopilot provides FBW commands of roll, pitch, and yaw

The explanation is: The autopilot is like an artificial pilot system which flies the aircraft under a set of constraints. It provides steering commands such as roll, pitch and yaw rates to the FBW system. FBW system ensures that response to the autopilot commands is fast and well damped, providing smooth control of aircraft in autopilot modes.