microcode, compilers, and supercomputer architecture

From: Eric Smith <eric_at_brouhaha.com>
Date: Mon Apr 5 19:04:56 1999

> In fact, most modern airplanes (especially jet fighters) are fly-by-wire.

But only recently has this been true of commercial aircraft.

I've flown on an A320 once, but it was only because United did an equipment
change. When I booked the flight, I was told that it was going to be a
737.

Since I write embedded system firmware for a living, I think I am at least
slightly qualified to assess risks of using such. I belive that by virtue
of being a much smaller system, ABS is likely to be more reliable and have
fewer latent bugs than fly-by-wire avionics. By preference I'll stick to
"classic" commercial aircraft, using classic computers that aren't critical
to the aerodynamic performance of the craft.
Received on Mon Apr 05 1999 - 19:04:56 BST