Page 119 - Inventions - A Visual Encyclopedia (DK - Smithsonian)

FLY BY WIRE
In older planes, the wing flaps that control a plane’s
motion were moved mechanically by rods and levers.
The supersonic (faster-than-sound) jet Concorde
was one of the first “fly-by-wire” plane. In these, the pilot
operates the flight controls and his movements
are converted into electrical signals.
These are sent to electric motors,
which move the wing flaps.
In autopilot mode, the plane
is controlled automatically
The nose can by a computer.
be adjusted up
or down for GLASS COCKPIT
better visibility. GET MOVING
In the late 1960s, analog gauges gave way to electric
displays. The display in modern airplanes is sometimes
Concorde called a “glass cockpit” because it is full of screens
that show data readouts, computer updates, and
the plane’s flight path.

◀ BOEING 314
Air travel was a luxury for the rich
and the Boeing 314 was one of the most
luxurious aircraft from 1938–1946. It
could carry 74 passengers in seats or 40 in
sleeping compartments. It also had a lounge,
dressing rooms, and a dining room on board.

FORCES OF FLIGHT

When a plane moves, its wings slice Upward lift created by wings
through the air at an angle, forcing the pushing air downward. Drag is the force of the
air downward and producing a force Drag air rubbing against
called “lift.” This balances the plane’s The engine creates Lift the plane’s surface
and slowing it down.
weight so it stays airborne. To keep thrust by burning
the plane moving, the engines produce fuel, pushing the
a force called “thrust,” which balances plane forward.
the “drag” of the air.
Weight The force of gravity pulls
Thrust the plane downward.

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