Air data computer

<p>An air data computer (ADC) or central air data computer (CADC) computes <a href="/facts/Altitude/B5eNVurK">altitude</a>, vertical speed, air speed, and <a href="/facts/Mach_number/Ee01MIgw">Mach number</a> from pressure and temperature inputs. It is an essential <a href="/facts/Avionics/F4gQJBJn">avionics</a> component found in modern aircraft. This computer, rather than individual <a href="/facts/Flight_instruments/S0tKK3jl">instruments</a>, can determine the <a href="/facts/Calibrated_airspeed/aXAAGA8m">calibrated airspeed</a>, Mach number, altitude, and <a href="/facts/Vertical_speed_indicator/uKQyXVCt">altitude trend</a> data from an aircraft's <a href="/facts/Pitot-static_system/zbjNX3yn">pitot-static system</a>. In some very high-speed aircraft such as the <a href="/facts/Space_Shuttle/7BoyetEv">Space Shuttle</a>, <a href="/facts/Equivalent_airspeed/MUakxf01">equivalent airspeed</a> is calculated instead of calibrated airspeed. Air data computers usually also have an input of <a href="/facts/Total_air_temperature/BIC1LcSN">total air temperature</a>. This enables the computation of static air temperature and <a href="/facts/True_airspeed/aHdFdAjl">true airspeed</a>.
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Air data computer open-in-new

Air data computer