Avionics are the electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and spacecraft, in short Avionic-the science of electronics used in the design and manufacture of aircraft.Avionic systems include communications, navigation, multi-system display and management, and the hundreds of aircraft-fitted systems to perform individual functions. These can be as simple as a police helicopter searchlight, or as complicated as the airborne early warning platform tactical system. The term avionics is a portmanteau of aeronautics and electronics words.

History

The word "avionics" was coined as a portmanteau of "aviation electronics" by the writer Philip J. Klass.Many modern avionics have their origins in the developments during the Second World War. For example, autopilot systems that are commonplace today started as specialized systems to help bomber aircraft fly steadily enough to reach high-altitude precision targets.Famously, radar was established in the UK and then transmitted to the US via the Tizard Mission New avionics is a significant portion of the spending on military aircraft. Aircraft such as the F‐15E and the now retired F‐14 have spent approximately 20 per cent of their budget on avionics. Most new helicopters now in need of avionics have budget splits of 60/40.The civil market, too, has seen an increase in avionics costs. Flight control systems (fly-by-wire) and new navigation needs produced by tighter airspaces have increased the cost of growth. The big change was the recent boom in consumer flying. As more people start using aircraft as their primary mode of transport, more elaborate methods of controlling aircraft safely have been invented in these highly restrictive airspaces