Digital autopilots have been around since the Apollo Space Program in the early 1960s, when Grumman developed an autopilot using a digital microprocessor to manage analog inputs from the control and navigation systems on board the lunar module. But while computers have helped steer the course for decades, we're now on the cusp of having completely digital autopilot systems flying our light singles and twins as we enjoy a cup of coffee. The FAA has granted Chelton Aviation supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for its digital autopilot in Piper Cherokee Six and Cessna 210 aircraft, following STCs in other Cessna, Beech-craft, and Piper singles and light twins. The AP-3C is a three-component autopilot built for the general aviation market using solid-state electronics to achieve a lightweight, yet high-quality design.
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机译：自1960年代初的阿波罗太空计划（Apollo Space Program）以来，数字自动驾驶技术就已经存在。当时，格鲁曼（Grumman）使用数字微处理器开发了一种自动驾驶系统，用于管理登月舱上控制和导航系统的模拟输入。但是，尽管计算机已经帮助指导了这一过程数十年，但如今，我们正处于拥有全数字自动驾驶仪系统的风口浪尖，因为我们一边享受一杯咖啡，一边驾驶我们的单身和双胞胎飞行。继其他塞斯纳，比奇飞机和派珀单打和轻型双胞胎中的STC之后，美国联邦航空局（FAA）已为其切珀奇诺基六和塞斯纳210飞机的数字自动驾驶仪授予了切尔顿航空补充型号证书（STC）。 AP-3C是一款三组件自动驾驶仪，是使用固态电子设备为通用航空市场打造的，以实现轻巧而高质量的设计。
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