These were combined to simplify the airplane and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. The light weight of the fuselage is achieved without reducing its strength. The cockpit and its bubble canopy give the pilot unobstructed forward and upward vision, and greatly improved vision over the side and to the rear. The seat-back angle was expanded from the usual 13 degrees to 30 degrees, increasing pilot comfort and gravity force tolerance.
Electrical wires relay commands, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls.
Hand pressure on the side stick controller sends electrical signals to actuators of flight control surfaces such as ailerons and rudder. See also related photos and related news stories .