MULTIPLEX TECHNOLOGY APPLIED TO HELICOPTERS

Digital techniques (multiplexing in particular) and multifunction displays (CRTs) are becoming more prevalent in aircraft system designs. Military aircraft designed in the past ten years have progressed increasingly in this direction. Commercial airframe manufacturers have stepped out in support of this technology, which will lead to FAA acceptance regulations. The major reasons cited for this trend are reduced weight and lower life-cycle costs. Also, it leads to a lower crew workload and enhances flight safety. The technology is in a well-defined state and readily available today. This paper is not intended to be a treatise on the details of multiplex system design. It is intended to familiarize the reader with multiplex technology concepts and terminology, as well as introduce the idea of the multiplex system as a tool with which to integrate helicopter subsystems.