An Application of Redundancy in Digital Electronic Engine Control

A full authority, dual channel, fault tolerant digital electronic control system for aircraft gas turbine engines has been designed by the Bendix Energy Controls Division and flight-tested on the Boeing 747 research aircraft. These efforts were part of a cooperative program between Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft (Commercial Products Division), Bendix Energy Controls Division, and Hamilton Standard to demonstrate the improved capability of a totally Electronic Propulsion Control System (EPCS).

Interest in fully electronic engine control systems was generated by their potential for low weight, high operational reliability, easy maintenance, and low life-cycle cost. The Bendix EPCS fulfills all these potentials.