Technische Universität München

Aircraft Systems
Lecture | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mirko Hornung

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 1

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

General Information

Lecturer
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mirko Hornung
Head of the Chair of Aircraft Design

Assistant
Illia Peleshok
Tel. 089 289 16754
[Link]@[Link]

Office hours by arrangement

Please contact: Illia Peleshok

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 2

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Organizational Aspects

Lecture
• 3 credits / 2 SWS
• Lecture notes available online: [Link]
• Lecture Period: 25.04.2025– 25.07.2025

Exam
• Written Exam (60 min)
• Contents of all lectures relevant
• Date of Exam: Not scheduled yet (as of current status)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 3

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

eLearning Portal

Moodle
• Lecture notes available online: [Link]
• Post questions and comments at the forum
• Current news, dates, and other relevant information are posted there as well

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 4

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Literature Recommendations (Books)

• Moir, I. and Seabridge, A., Aircraft Systems, Professional Engineering Publishing, 2001

• Moir, I. and Seabridge, A., Design and Development of Aircraft Systems, Professional
Engineering Publishing, 2004

• Wild, T., Transport Category Aircraft Systems, Jeppesen, 2008

• Engmann, Klaus: Technologie des Flugzeuges, Vogel, 2006

Components of specific Very detailed

Good overview of key Focus on how aircraft aircraft systems of descriptions as well
systems and an in- systems are designed common transport aircraft as constructional and
depth study and evolved are explained and manufacturing
illustrated aspects

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 5

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Contents
1 Introduction to Aircraft Systems
History of Aircraft Systems, Aircraft Systems Overview, System Definitions, Classification, Design
Philosophy, Failure Conditions, Examples

2 Flight Control Systems

Introduction, Background, System Definition, Configuration, Flight Control Devices, High-Lift Control
Systems, Linkage and Kinematics, Integration and Fairing, Architecture, Redundancy, Power Systems,
Flight Control Computer, Electronic Flight Control System, Examples

3 Propulsion and Fuel Systems

Introduction, Background, Engine Control Systems, Engine Starting, Indications, Fuel Management
System, Operating Modes, Probes, Fuel, Fuel Tank, Integration, Examples

4 Power Generation and Distribution

Introduction, Background, Power Demand, Hydraulic Systems, Hydraulic Fluid, Hydraulic System Design
and Components, Pneumatic Systems, Engine Bleed Air System, Electrical System Design, More
Electric Aircraft

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 6

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Contents
5 Environmental Control Systems
Background, Conditions and Requirements, Heat Loads and Flow, Air Distribution, Environmental Control
System Packs, Cabin Pressurization, Pressure Control, Examples

6 Landing Gear and Braking Systems

Introduction, Landing Gear System Components, Gear Arrangements and Assemblies, Shock
Absorption, Dampers, Tires, Rims, Steering and Actuation, Braking System, Anti-Skid System, Examples

7 Avionics Systems
Introduction, Avionics Technology, Sensors, Communication and Navigation, Displays, Flight
Management System, Examples

8 Safety and Emergency Systems

Introduction, Warning Systems, Emergency Power Sources, Fire detection, Examples

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 7

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Special Slides
… for extra Information

• Special slides for self study (light-grey background and a blue banner)

• If enough time, the lecturer will present the extra information in the lecture.

Special slides for extra information and to deepen your knowledge

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 8

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Objectives

• Get a comprehensive overview on aircraft systems

• Understand…

− …the design and functionalities of aircraft systems and their subsystems

− …different system configurations, architectures, redundancy and safety issues

− …different system concepts and the technical system implementation

• Learn the fundamentals in design and analysis of aircraft systems

• Get an overview on recent advances in aircraft systems and technologies

Advances in the competence of understanding different aircraft systems, aircraft

systems design philosophy and the skills of cross-system thinking

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 9

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
 Technische Universität München

1 Introduction to Aircraft Systems

1.1 History of Aircraft Systems

1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 10

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1903: Wright Flyer

• First sustained flight of a heavier-than-air

aircraft carrying an adult human

• Lateral control by asymmetric wingtip

deflection (wing warp)

• Mechanical linkage and human actuation Source: Library of the Congress

over pulleys and control wires

Wingtip Increased
deflected lift
• First flight control system providing downward
Decreased
active control about each longitudinal, lift

lateral and vertical axes

Direction of
air flow
Wingtip
deflected
upward

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 11

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1909: Farmann III

• First aircraft with ailerons on the trailing

edges of the upper and lower wing

• Farman III was the first to make ailerons

an integral part of the wing – this became
the standard for all aircraft build after 1915

Source: [Link]

1919: Junkers F13

• First all-metal civil transport aircraft

Source: [Link]
Source: [Link]

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 12

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1927: Ryan M-2

• Solo flight with the Spirit of St. Louis from

New York to Paris with a modified Ryan M-2
(Charles Lindbergh)

• Large fuel tank (1300kg fuel) – more than

half of the maximum takeoff weight (2330kg)
Source: [Link]

• High efficiency engine and single wing with

thick airfoil (high lift-to-drag ratio)

1935: Douglas DC-3 (1935)

• Extremely popular civil transport aircraft

• High safety, robustness and efficiency –

1st to made air transportation profitable

• Few hundred DC-3 are still flying

Source: [Link]

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 13

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1949: De Havilland Comet

• First production commercial jet-powered

airliner (wing-integrated jet engines)

• New powered flight controls (no feedback)

• Integral wing fuel tanks

Source: [Link] (© RAScholefield))

1952: Boeing B-52 “Stratofortress”

• First all-jet and swept wing bomber

• Still in active service (over 60 years!)

→ Life extension program

Source: [Link]

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 14

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1957: Boeing 707

• Swept wing (35°)

• Podded engines

• “Mother” of all modern transport aircraft

Source: [Link] (© Mike Freer)

1964: Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird”

• First production RCS aircraft with minimal

radar cross section (RCS)
RCS RCS

• Served as a precursor to future stealth

n.
aircraft

• Was the world’s fastest (Mach 3.3) and

highest-flying (25 929 m) operational aircraft
Source: [Link] (© NASA)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 15

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1969: Boeing 747 “Jumbo Jet“
n.

• First double deck airliner

• Was designed with a new methodology

called fault tree analysis (FTA)

• Complex and most advanced high-lift

system was used (fully deployed: +21%
Source: [Link] (© Steve Fitzgerald)
wing area, +90% lift)

1970: Lockheed L-1011 “Tristar”

• Was the third wide-body airliner to enter

commercial operations (after B747, DC-10)

• Highly advanced autopilot system

• Unique Direct Lift Control System (DLC) for

smooth approaches when landing Source: [Link] (© Eduard Marmet)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 16

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1969: Aerospatiale-BAC Concorde

• 1st flight of the commercial supersonic

transport aircraft (one of two ever build)

• First commercial transport aircraft with

analogue Fly-by-wire flight control system

• Thrust-by-wire engines (predecessor of

Source: [Link] (© Eduard Marmet)
FADEC)

1987: Airbus A320

• First civil transport aircraft with digital Fly-

by-wire flight control system and sidestick
controllers

Source: [Link] (© Laurent Errera)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 17

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

1989: Northrop Grumman B-2 “Spirit”

• Pioneering use of CAD and manufacturing

technologies

• Introduced new and low observable stealth

technologies (materials, coating)

Source: [Link]

1994: Boeing 777 “Triple Seven”

• Boeing’s first fly-by-wire airliner

• First commercial aircraft designed solely by

CAD (CATIA)

• First time, that eight major airlines had a

essential role in the development and
contributed to the design process Source: [Link] (© Altair78)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 18

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

2005: Airbus A380 “Superjumbo“

• First flight of the largest civil transport

aircraft ever built

• More-Electric Aircraft (MEA) with 600kW

rated generator power

• First commercial use of Integrated Modular Source: [Link] (© BriYYZ)

Avionics (IMA) to manage 23 functions

2008: Boeing 787 “Dreamliner”

• ~50% of primary structure on the 787 is of

composite materials

• MEA (no bleed air system) with 1MW rated

main power (+0.5MW Auxiliary Power Unit)

• Open architecture with increased functionality Source: [Link] (© Spaceaero2)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 19

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Human Flight and Aircraft Systems

2013: Airbus A350 XWB

• ~ 53% composites

• New advanced dropped-hinge flap (ADHF)

• Head-up display in the cockpit

• Advanced IMA to manage 40 functions

Source: [Link] (© OlivierG)

2013: Bombardier CS300

• First commercial airliner to use a geared-

turbofan propulsion system

Source: [Link]

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 20

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
 1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Modern Aircraft Systems

Civil Transport Aircraft – Airbus and Boeing

1960 1970 1980

• 1st commercial trijet

• 1st plane with triple-slotted flaps
• 1st plane with jet mixing (low noise)
• Inclusion of APU B747-100
1970
• Double deck
• Complex high-lift
system
B727-100
1964
A300
1974
B707-100 B737-200
1958 1968 • First twin-engine, wide-body configuration
• 1st successful • Electrical signaling for slats, flaps, spoilers
• 1st commercial Boeing
commercial jet aircraft jetliner not requiring a • Full flight regime auto throttle
• Podded engines flight engineer • Automatic windshear protection
• Digital auto-flight system (1982)

Years = Entry into Service (EIS)

1960 1970 1980

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 21
Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
 1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Modern Aircraft Systems

Civil Transport Aircraft – Airbus and Boeing

1980 1990 2000

• Advanced transonic wing
• 100% designed in CAD
• Advanced CRT cockpit displays
• Larger than all other
• Electric signaling of secondary controls
twinjet airplanes
• Composite materials in primary structure
• Trim tank system for center-of-gravity control B777-200
• Carbon brakes, radial tires
1995

A310-200
1983
A340-300
1991
B757/767-200
• Electronic Flight 1982 A320-200
Instrument System 1987
(EFIS) flight deck • Sidestick controller
• Fly-by-wire system
• Extended use of composites
and advanced aluminum alloys
• Active controls
Years = Entry into Service (EIS)

1980 1990 2000

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 22
Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Milestones of Modern Aircraft Systems

Civil Transport Aircraft – Airbus and Boeing

2000 2010 2020

• More electric aircraft A380-800

• Novel flight control system 2007
architecture (2x Hyd. + 2x Electric
as backup)

B787-9 • Advanced but simple high- A350-900

2008 lift system 2015
• 1st more electric aircraft with
• In-flight wing adaption
no bleed-air system
• More electric aircraft
• Common Core Open Systems
• Integrated Health Management
• In-flight wing adaption

Years = Entry into Service (EIS)

2000 2010 2020

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 23
Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

More Electric Aircraft

→ See more in Chapter 4 Power Generation and Distribution
All
Electric
Rated Power in MW

Engine
(Main Generators)

More
Electric ?
Engine
No
Hydraulics
Network
No Bleed Fuel Cells
Air
Network
1.0 MW
Enabling technologies such as
B787 power electronics, motors, advanced
materials and thermal management
0.6 MW
A380 Source: Boeing (2007)

2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Year
More electric aircraft is an evolutionary application of electrical power

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 24

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Global Fuel Consumption (1)

Review and Tendency (1990 – 2050)
8
Fuel consumption in liter per pax/100km

Global Civil Air Traffic

7
Lufthansa Group Fleet

6 5 liters per
pax/100km
(2005)
5

4 4.2 liters per

pax/100pkm 3 liters per
(2011) pax/100km
3 (2033)

2
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
Year

Review and tendency: Continuous reduction of fuel consumption by an average

efficiency increase of about 2.1% per year
Source: ICAO (2010), ICAO (2013), Lufthansa (2012), LLS

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 25

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Global Fuel Consumption (2)

Example: Impact of Efficiency Increase
8
ICAO environmental
Fuel consumption in liter per pax/100km

Global Civil Air Traffic report 2013 scenarios:

7 a) +1.39% efficiency/year
• Fleet renewal
6 5 liters per • Contribution of
pax/100km technology
(2005)
5 improvements
• Contribution of improved
Air Traffic Management
4 3 liters per
pax/100km
and infrastructure use
(ca. 2040) b) +2% efficiency/year
3 3 liters per • ICAO fuel efficiency
pax/100km
aspirational goal
(ca. 2030)
2
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 2050
Year

A difference of 0.6% in overall efficiency increase per year results in a difference

of 10 years to reach a global fuel consumption of 3 liters per pax/100km
Source: ICAO (2010), ICAO (2013), Lufthansa (2012), LLS

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 26

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Step Changes in Aircraft Performance and Efficiency

More Electric Aircraft,

Active Controls Integrated Health
Aircraft performance and efficiency

Composites, Fly-by-wire, Sidestick, Management…

Electronic Flight Winglets
Instrument System,
Turbo fan (high BPR)… ???

Supercritical airfoil,
Electrical signaling of
flight controls

Jet
engines

1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030

Year
Aircraft systems play an essential role in performance and efficiency improvement
for civil transport aircraft
Source: Recksiek (2009), LLS

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 27

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.1 History of Aircraft Systems Technische Universität München

Conclusions
General

• Over time the aircraft changed from “simple” to “highly complex”

• The introduction of jet engines enabled new speeds, altitudes and ranges

• The progress in technical development led to more and more aircraft systems

Aircraft Systems

• Aircraft systems have undergone many changes with the advent of the electronic age

• Onboard computers control many of the functions that were controlled by pilots and flight
engineers in the past

• New generation aircraft have most of the aircraft systems controlled by electronics and
computers

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 28

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
 Technische Universität München

1 Introduction to Aircraft Systems

1.1 History of Aircraft Systems

1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 29

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Background and Definitions

System

“A collection of components organized to accomplish a specific function or set of

functions.” (Source: IEEE)

“An assembly of electronic, electrical or mechanical components with inter-dependent

functions, usually forming a self-contained unit.” (Source: Dictionary)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 30

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Background and Definitions

System

Jenkins (1977): “A system is an assembly of parts, components, processes or functions

connected together in an organized way. The parts, components, processes or functions do
something, are affected by being in the system and are changed if they leave the system.
That is, the whole is greater than the sum of parts. The particular assembly has been
identified as being of special interest.” (Jenkins, 1977)

Sum of the parts Interconnected whole

“A heap” “A system”

“A system is more than the sum of its parts – it is the product of their
interactions” (Ackoff 1999)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 31

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Background and Definitions

System
Total System –
a system of systems

System

Major sub-system Sub-system Sub-system Sub-system

and its sub-systems

Sub-system Sub-system Sub-system

Sub-system Sub-system Sub-system

Lower level sub-system
and its sub-systems

Sub-system Component

The almost indefinitely break-down into sub-systems is an important property of

systems
Source: Moir and Seabridge, Aircraft Systems (2013)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 32

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Background and Definitions

System Thinking

System Thinking is the ability to take a holistic or a total systems view of the development
or analysis of any system.

“Maybe pushing on the wall to the right will give some space..” “Ooops”

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 33

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Background and Definitions

System Thinking

Take into account all influences or

factors which may effect the behavior of
a system.

Strategy
• View the system in an environment of
certain factors of importance
• Examine a system from the top down
and allow individuals (engineers,
manufacturing, support staff…) to
“Simplifying Systems”
critically examine and develop their own
particular requirements

System thinking is a way to understand and manage complex problems

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 34

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Aviation System
Stakeholders
Military Operators Politicians
Airline Operators
Regulatory bodies
Airport Operators
Government
Users
Aircraft Manufacturers
Employees
Construction Industry
Trade Unions
Suppliers
Aviation System
Caterers/Retail
General Public
Maintainers
Transport Operators
Terrorists
Leisure Industry
Pressure Groups
Commerce/Finance
Wildlife
Police/Security

Each of the stakeholders will have a different perspective of the design and
development process in the aviation system
Source: Moir and Seabridge, Aircraft Systems (2013)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 35

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Civil Air Transport System

Interrelations (simplified)

Civil Air Transport System

Rules and Air Traffic

Regulations Management

Aircraft
Operators Passengers
(OEMs)

Airport

Environment

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 36

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Major Systems of an Aircraft (1)

Airframe and Avionics represents

the “brain” of the
structure provides
aircraft providing
the lift and control navigation,
surfaces and the communications,
passenger cabin autopilot and display
functions

Aircraft

Aircraft Systems

Aircraft systems provides the means

of flying the aircraft reliable and safe

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 37

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Major Systems of an Aircraft (2)

Aircraft

Avionics and
Airframe and Structure Aircraft Systems
Mission Systems
Major structural aspects Enable a continuous Enable the operational aspects
of aircraft: and safe flight: during flight:
• Fuselage • Flight Control System • Navigation
• Wing • Propulsion System • Controls and Displays
• Stabilizer • Fuel System • Communications
• Aerodynamics • Energy and Distribution • Sensors
• Structural integrity Systems • Mission Computing
• … • … • …

Aircraft Design, Structure, System Design, System Design,

Aerodynamics, Materials Transfer of Energy Information based

Strong physical integration

Information based integration
Source: Moir and Seabridge, Aircraft Systems (2013)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 38

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
 1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Group: Airframe Systems

Classification – ATA Reference System ATA Chapter 30 - 49

Group: Structure
ATA Chapter 50 - 59
Group: Power Plant
Aircraft Systems ATA Chapter 70 - 89

Cabin and Safety and

Flight Control Energy Supply Flight Gear Propulsion
Payload Avionics Emergency
Systems and Distribution and Doors and APU
Systems Systems

Electrical Air
Flight Controls Landing Gear Fuel Auto Flight Fire Protection
Power Conditioning
ATA 27 ATA 32 ATA 28 ATA 22 ATA 26
ATA 24 ATA 21
Hydraulic Equipment/ Airborne Ice and Rain
Stabilizers Doors Communication
Power Furnishings Auxiliary Power Protection
ATA 55 ATA 52 ATA 23
ATA 29 ATA 25 ATA 49 ATA 30
Indicating/Rec.
Wings Lights Nacelle/Pylons Oxygen
Systems
ATA 57 ATA 33 ATA 54 ATA 35
ATA 31
Navigation
Pneumatic Power Plant
System
ATA 36 ATA 71
ATA 34
Engine Fuel Information
and Control Systems
Note: ATA Chapter Numbering System provides a common ATA 46
ATA 73
referencing system for all civil aircraft. The reference system
is controlled and published by the Air Transport Association Engine
(ATA), based in the US for over 75 years to harmonize Controls
requirements of the air transport system. Organization has ATA 76
recently been renamed Airlines for America (A4A). Link:
[Link]

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 39

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Aircraft System Interactions

Example: Heat Exchange in Civil Transport Aircraft

Ram Air
Air/ Fuel/ Fan/Cabin Air
Oil Oil Bleed Air
Fuel
Hydraulic Power
Electrical Power
Fuel/ Air/
Hyd Engine Oil
Hyd Fuel

Fan Hydraulic Power

Casing Engine

Air/
Hyd
Elec

Electrical Power
Air/
Warm
Air Mixing Avionics &
Plenum Cabin
Air Conditioning Unit Cold
Pri Sec
Air/ Air/
Air Air
Source: Moir and Seabridge, Aircraft Systems (2013)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 40

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview Technische Universität München

Conclusions
• A typical aircraft is equipped with a set of interacting aircraft systems

• A group of components that work together to perform a common aircraft function is

generally referred to as an aircraft system

• Transport aircraft contain several aircraft systems which can be classified in a number
of ways

• By dividing the aircraft into its systems, each area can be studied separately

• Aircraft systems…
− …are also known as General Systems or Utility Systems
− …are often common to both civil and military aircraft
− …are a mixture of systems with very different characteristics
− …all affect flight safety in some way!

Aircraft systems enable a reliable and safe operation of an aircraft due to a

proven system design philosophy

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 41

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
 Technische Universität München

1 Introduction to Aircraft Systems

1.1 History of Aircraft Systems

1.2 Aircraft Systems Overview
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 49

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Overview
Aircraft systems play an essential role for reliable and safe operation of an aircraft.
Following major four aspects for aircraft system design philosophy have been established:

• Safety

• Handling Qualities

• Maintenance

• Flexibility

Main objectives: Keeping the systems and their operation simple!

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 50

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Safety
• Simple fact: Failure will always occur!

• Evaluation of the consequences of failure conditions (safety assessments and failure

analysis) is the cornerstone of aircraft design and testing

• For a given failure condition, the higher the probability of occurrence (i.e. the more likely
that it may occur) the less severe it should be.

Probable

UNACCEPTABLE
Remote

Probability of
Failure Condition
Extremely
Remote

ACCEPTABLE
Extremely
Improbable

Minor Major Hazardous Catastrophic

Severity of Failure Condition Effects

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 51

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Safety
No single failure should be catastrophic:
This means that in any system or subsystem, the failure of any single element, component or
connection during any one flight, regardless of its probability of occurrence, should not have
catastrophic consequences.

Each catastrophic failure condition must be shown to be extremely improbable

(probability lower than 𝟏𝟎−𝟗 per Flight Hour (FH)):
Subsequent failures during the same flight, whether detected or latent, must be demonstrated
not to be catastrophic, unless their joint probability with the first failure is shown to be
extremely improbable.

The average probability per FH for catastrophic failure conditions should be

smaller than 𝟏 ∙ 𝟏𝟎−𝟗

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 52

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Safety
Failure Condition Classification

A logical and acceptable inverse relationship must exist between the Average Probability
per Flight Hour and the severity of failure condition effects.

Failure conditions are classified according to the severity of their effects as follows:

(1) Failure Conditions with No Safety Effect have no probability requirement.

(2) Minor Failure Conditions may be probable.

(3) Major Failure Conditions must be no more frequent than remote.

(4) Hazardous Failure Conditions must be no more frequent than extremely remote.

(5) Catastrophic Failure Conditions must be extremely improbable.

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 53

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Safety
Failure Condition Classification

No effect on Slight reduction in Significant reduction Large reduction in

Normally with
Effect on aircraft operational functional capabilities in functional functional capabilities
hull loss
capabilities or safety or safety capabilities or safety or safety

Serious or fatal injury

No effect on Physical distress,
Effect on occupants to a small number of
operational Physical discomfort possibly including Multiple fatalities
(w/o flight crew) passenger or cabin
capabilities or safety injuries
crew
Physical distress or
Physical discomfort or
No effect on flight Slight increase in excessive workload Fatalities or
Effect on flight crew a significant increase
crew workload which impairs ability incapacitation
in workload
to perform tasks

Allowable
No probability Extremely Extremely
qualitative Probable Remote
requirement remote improbable
probability

Allowable
quantitative average No probability < 10−3 < 10−5 < 10−7 < 10−9
probability per FH*

Classification of
No safety effect Minor Major Hazardous Catastrophic
failure conditions

* Flight Hour

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 54

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Failure Case Assessment

Example: A330-200

During the early stages of the definition of the A330-200 the

possibility of eliminating the outer ailerons (versus the
A330-300) was considered.

This would have led to significant weight savings, cost

reduction, hydraulic system simplification, reduced number
of spare parts by operators, reduced number of potential
failure cases, etc. Lots of benefits with no significant
reduction in aircraft maneuverability versus the A330-300
in normal operation and in most failure cases.

However, the outer ailerons were kept on the A330-200

since the handling consequences of some remote
failures were degraded to a level, which was not
Source: [Link]
compatible with their probability of occurrence.
Source: Airbus Engineering Notes, “Safety
Assessments and Failure Analysis (2005)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 56

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Safety Analysis
Example: B737 MAX

As Boeing hustled in 2015 to catch up to Airbus and certify its new 737 MAX, Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) managers pushed the agency’s safety engineers to delegate safety assessments to
Boeing itself, and to speedily approve the resulting analysis. But the original safety analysis that Boeing
delivered to the FAA for a new flight control system on the MAX – a report used to certify the plane as safe
to fly - had several crucial flaws:
• Understated the power of the MCAS: When the
planes later entered service, MCAS was capable
of moving the tail more than four times farther
than was stated in the initial safety analysis
document.
• Failed to account for how the system could reset
itself each time a pilot responded, thereby
missing the potential impact of the system
repeatedly pushing the airplane’s nose
downward.
• Assessed a failure of the system as one level How the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation
below “catastrophic.” But even that “hazardous” System (MCAS) works on the B737 MAX
danger level should have precluded activation of
the system based on input from a single sensor –
and yet that’s how it was designed. Source: [Link] (Link)

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 57

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Safety
Objectives

• System hardware has to fulfill strict environmental and safety requirements

• Software fulfills strict requirements by dissimilating programming (different project

teams and program languages).

• Each system has a self-monitoring function. If necessary, only essential information is

displayed for the crew.

• Multiple redundancy is the essential factor for a high level of safety.

• Each redundant (backup) system allows a safe continuation of the flight and landing

• Automatic backup or separation in the case of a system failure to prevent immediate

intervention of the crew (reduces workload).

• Each single system failure leads to a single failure in the appropriate system/sub-system.

• The combination of two failures does not lead to a total loss of the superior system.

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 58

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Handling Quality
Objectives HYD
GREEN BLUE YELLOW GREEN
3000 3000 PSI 3000

• Keep the workload for the crew as low as possible: If PTU

ELEC ELEC ELEC RAT
OVHT 5600
all systems are in normal operation no action by the crew RPM
1 1 2 2
is needed or signals are displayed
LO AIR
PRESS

• Instruments and displays using synoptic and visual OVHT

designs
Synoptic Display of the hydraulic
• Clear assignment of a visual system indication of the system (Airbus A330)
represented system for a good understanding of the
current system status

• Most switches, displays and signals are applied in “flow”

of the schematics system diagram

• Master Warning Panel is visible for all flight crew

members

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 59

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Maintainability
Objectives

• Good accessibility to all system components

• Commonality of all system components

• Commonality and replicability within an aircraft and

within an aircraft family
Source: [Link]

• Maintainability and reliability are considered as major Airbus A321 – Jacked up for
landing gear change
design parameters

• „Built-In Test Equipment“ supports failure reorganization – it has to be independent of

the electrical

• Manual control and test of the integrity of the protective circuits

• Spatial separated maintenance areas of each larger system allows a faster inspection
and simultaneously maintenance, without interfering of maintenance personnel or devices

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 60

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Maintainability
Criteria for Maintenance Area Arrangement

• Safety

• Weight and center of gravity aspects

• System efficiency (wire length and interferences)

• Accessibility

• Spatial separation of hydraulic and electrical connections

Maintenance Principles

• Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) – on condition

• Condition Monitoring (CM) or Trend Monitoring (TM) – predictive maintenance

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 61

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025
1.3 Aircraft System Design Philosophy Technische Universität München

Flexibility
Objectives

• Space for future instruments, avionics and equipment for the baseline aircraft of an
aircraft family (e.g. the A320 of the Airbus A320 Family)

• The addition of further instruments and equipment is not limited by energy and power
system capacities – a power margin (buffer) of +20% should be provided

• Additional wiring capacities and interfaces are provided in the baseline layout

Digital CATIA Model of the Airbus A350 Airbus A350 electrical systems installation

Chair of Aircraft Design Slide 62

Aircraft Systems | Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Hornung SS/2025