FADEC is a generic term for computer-driven powerplants. Very commonly used in the helicopter world, for piston engines and turbines alike. I believe the term was first used on choppers. "Full Authority" refers to the idea that the pilot just asks for more or less power, and the computer does the rest, freely. The computer will adjust whatever parameter it pleases: mixture, intake quantity, RPM, pitch, or whatever. So, FADECs are "single lever" solutions, and they go farther than just electronic fuel injection. And of course, they have huge safety implications, therefore are extremely costly to certify, hence the price tag.
By the way, there is one fabulous homebuilt helicopter, called the Rotorway Exec 162F, which has got a FADEC as standard. The manufacturers make their own engines, since they could not find anything acceptable in the market. The entire kit (helicopter with engine and FADEC) costs less than the FADEC option for a certified helicopter! Serge Vidal KR2 "Kilimanjaro Cloud" Paris, france FADEC = Full Authority Digital Engine Control. It's out there. The Cirrus SR series as well as some other new planes have it. It can be retrofited to some planes depending on how quickly it appears on the Type Certificates or developers are willing to tackle the years of paperwork and testing to satisfy the FAA for a Suplemental Type Certificate. My observation is that it appears to work well in flight and is well liked by the owners, but may be a bit immature for adverse conditions. I've watched several Cirrus run themselves out of batteries trying to start in moderately cool weather. Of course spending $15 - 20K to upgrade my two $20K airplanes just doesn't make financial sense. I'd spend that $$ buying another hanger and another plane instead. -Jeff On Wed, 13 Apr 2005 17:31:05 -0400 "Doug Rupert" <drup...@sympatico.ca> writes: > Already do. I believe it's called Fadec on Lycoming engines but could be > wrong. Best check with one of the A&P's re this one. > Doug Rupert > > How long will it be before we accept computer driven fuel injection > in > airplanes? > > Kevin. _______________________________________ Search the KRnet Archives at http://www.maddyhome.com/krsrch/index.jsp to UNsubscribe from KRnet, send a message to krnet-le...@mylist.net please see other KRnet info at http://www.krnet.org/info.html
