OT: Cockpit Instruments Question

[sp0nge]

Ive noticed while looking at older and more modern cockpits that older a/c generally have more instruments,

Is this because the more modern cockpits, like the su30.. are more digitalized and use the screens rather than the usual circular window thingis?

 

Thanks.. Maybe its just the photos im looking at but i think there are definitely more instruments in older a/c.

[Frostie]

Yes, MFD being the key abb. here.

'Does what it says on the tin.'

[thesystem]

Hehehe, they put all the analog gauges on a nice digital screen, less space less weight. and with an mfd you can select what you wanna see. You don't wanna see a horizon on the mfd because you have got the HUD but you wanna see the RWR....then you can see that:smilewink:

[britgliderpilot]

Ive noticed while looking at older and more modern cockpits that older a/c generally have more instruments,

Is this because the more modern cockpits, like the su30.. are more digitalized and use the screens rather than the usual circular window thingis?

 

Thanks.. Maybe its just the photos im looking at but i think there are definitely more instruments in older a/c.

 

That . . . . and some things that would have to be monitored by the pilot in older aircraft are now monitored and action taken by computer. Only flashes up on screen if it's really wrong.

[LawnDart]

Primary flight display (typically one screen) or HUD replaces as many as 6-12 dials (a.k.a. "steam guages") used in older aircraft. An EICAS screen has condensed engine and crew alerting messages, and just like britgliderpilot said - many things monitored only flash or pop up when something goes awry, otherwise there's no need for the pilot to see them at all. Add to that, multifunction displays (as the word implies have multiple functions) and you can flip through screens of systems, load, etc etc. Can't do that with analog guages and lights... it's a digital age thing making the cockpit less cluttered. ;)

 

...although there's usually a LOT more information you can present with a "glass cockpit" (i.e. CRT screens) if desired compared to "steam guages"!

[sp0nge]

Thanks guys.

 

I got most of it hehe