Economic Benefits of Digital Electronic Propulsion Controls for Advanced Commercial Aircraft

The application of digital electronic technology to the control of advanced commercial aircraft engines is expected to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 1% and hot section maintenance costs by as much as 50% because of the ability of electronic controls to operate more precisely than their hydromechanical counterparts. Other advantages, which will accrue from the use of electronic digital controls, will be the virtual elimination of engine control trimming, a greatly simplified interface with aircraft condition monitoring equipment, and more rapid and less costly control maintenance procedures. Digital electronic control is still an emerging technology, but it offers potential benefits which should justify the investment to bring it into commercial service.