Air data computers have evolved from purely mechanical devices that physically turn airspeed indicators and altimeters, to electro-mechanical devices outputting an analog signal and for many years have now been part of the digital revolution.
As more and more aircraft fly in limited airspace, standards such as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) were introduced that reduced the allowable separation of aircraft at certain altitudes. Such standards increase the importance of accurate information on speed and altitude. However that can increase maintenance costs as all air data computer transducers experience ‘drift’ which reduces their accuracy over time.
Vibrating cylinder technology yield high accuracy air data parameters with lower drift than equivalent common silicon-based designs, thus reducing the maintenance burden and providing a solution that can better meet current and future regulations.