What role does the Air Data Computer (ADC) play in integrated navigation?

• A. Provides airspeed, altitude, angle of attack, and other air data to augment INS velocity and altitude estimation.
• B. Controls engine thrust based on navigation.
• C. Measures magnetic field for heading.
• D. Determines weather data.

Answer: (D)

In integrated navigation, the Air Data Computer serves as the source of calibrated air data by turning raw pitot-static and temperature information into useful measurements such as airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, true airspeed, Mach number, and often angle of attack. These air data values feed the navigation system and the INS (inertial navigation system) to anchor the inertial estimates to the actual flight conditions, helping to correct drift and improve velocity and altitude accuracy. The ADC essentially provides the real-world air measurements needed for precise navigation.

Weather data isn’t what the ADC provides—that comes from weather radar and related atmospheric sensing systems. Engine thrust control is handled by the propulsion management system, and magnetic heading is measured by a magnetic sensor or a separate attitude/heading reference system, not the ADC.