System Overview
System Composition
The flight deck consists mainly of the following
hardware and software components
Visual System
The visual system provides a 135 degree FOV,
consisting of a 3 BQ MX613ST projectors, a Matrox TripleHead2Go Digital, graphics adapter
8800GTX,
Immersive Display Lite 2, and 3
projection screens.
Glareshield Panels
The glareshield panel contains the following
components: MCP (Mode
Control Panel)
and EFIS (Electronic Flight Information
System), and the
Master Caution System.
Forward Panels
The forward panels are divided in 3 sections: Left
Forward Captain, Right Forward First Officer, and
Center Forward. The main software package behind the
scenes is the B737 suite from Project Magenta, but
also other utilities have been integrated in order
to achieve the best possible system functionality.
Control Column
/ Yoke
The current yoke system consists of two yokes from
CH Products, mounted on fixed columns. This is
definitely only a temporary solution. Some day I will
migrate to real control column.
Forward Aisle Stand
The forward aisle stand holds the lower EICAS (Engine
Indication and Crew Alerting
System)
display unit and two CDU's (Control
and Display Unit).
Control Stand
The control stand, also known as throttle
quadrant, with some secondary flight controls,
thrust levers, and parking brake.
AFT Electronic Panel
The AFT electronic panel, also known as pedestal,
consists mainly of radios for communication,
navigation, aircraft identification (Transponder),
rudder and aileron trim, and master and cargo fire
control.
FWD Overhead
The FWD overhead is by far the most complex
sub-system of the flight deck. It consists of much
more than 100 switches and annunciator lights. Only
to name some of the OH panels: Fuel Panel, AC and DC
Metering Panel, Generator Drive and Standby Power
Panel, Ground Power and Bus Switching Panel, APU,
Probe Heat Panel, Air Conditioning and
Pressurization Panels, and Hydraulic Panel.
Most of
the switches and lights are controlled by pmSystems,
with a comprehensive SIOC script as interface
between hardware and pmSystems. Some additional
functions have been added with additional SIOC
scripts and add-on software.
For all other components without summary on this
page, click either direct on the graphical overview
or select the menu item.