Short history of avionics

n1910s – first experiments with radio and autopilot

n1930s – first electronic aides such as:

¨“blind-flying” panels

¨radio ranging

¨non-directional beacons

¨Ground-based surveillance radar

¨Single-axis autopilot

n1940s : many WWII related developments:

¨VHF communications

¨Identification friend or foe (IFF)

¨Gyroscopic compass

¨Attitude and heading reference systems

¨Airborne intercept radar

¨Electronic warfare

¨Long-range precision radio navigation

¨2-axis autopilot

n1950 :

¨Tactical air navigation (TACAN)

¨Tracking radar

¨Doppler radar

¨Pulse radar

¨Early mission computers

¨Inertial navigation

n1960 :

¨Integrated electronic warfare systems

¨Automated weapon release systems

¨Terrain following radar

¨Head-up-display (HUD)

¨Digital mission computers