Equalizer

An equalizer is a type of avionics system that is used by many combat aircraft to increase their survivability and performance. An equalizer most often looks like a steel sphere surrounded by a frame of encased wires and ducts that move electricity and cooling fluid through the central unit. An equalizer also has wires connecting it to the nose, tail and wingtips of the aircraft allowing it to use sensors on the mentioned points to calibrate the way the plane flies at any given time. The main spherical unit of an equalizer that may weigh up to 40 kg needs to calibrate it's foundation to the type of aircraft it will be used for in order to be usable. Calibration is done in three stages:

First the plane is skillfully and precisely flown per instructions and performs several basic maneuvers that let the equalizer determine what the plane should fly like at a certain speed.

The second stage includes regular flight at various speeds, altitudes and while performing various maneuvers. To proceed with this stage of the calibration the aircraft is flown as it would be and is carrying an equalizer as it would carry a regular payload. This stage often takes the longest and requires from 26 hours of flight up to 82 depending on how aggressively the plane is flown.

The third stage of calibration has the plane being thrown into various maneuvers by being stalled out to let the equalizer realize how the aircraft acts at less stable speeds.

After the calibration is done the equalizer is taken, it's algorithm is cleaned up and after final flight tests it is ready to be distributed.

Damage Control Equalizer (DCE)

In case of damage to the plane a damage control equalizer may manually be activated in which case it will start recording the moment an aircraft moves into level flight or even as the plane is turning (only newer models). The recording of the aircraft in level flight will last for between 1 and 16 seconds depending on the precision and quality of the used equalizer. After the said time passes the equalizer will attempt to move functioning control surfaces to counteract any motion the damage to the plane is causing.

DCEs most often have a feature that allows them to prevent a damaged plane from turning in an asymmetrical manner in trade for a lower turn speed.

Anti Lock Equalizer (ALE)

An anti lock equalizer prevents the plane from entering maneuvers that lock the plane in themselves. In case the aircraft enters a flat spin or any other maneuver that cannot be broken out of with ease the ALE, often called a duck equalizer will use the plane's control surfaces and throttle to break the it out of the maneuver.

Duck equalizers are also used on most canard aircraft as their algorithm prevents the canards from tilting to the side at lower speed and in turns as they do without the compensation of avionics.

Half Stall Equalizer (HSE)

Half stall equalizers, widely known as maneuver chords help the plane maneuver in the most effective manner at the aircraft's given speed and altitude. This extends to stall speeds giving the equalizer it's name. As a general rule the higher the airspeed the lower the inputs the equalizer will make though though the few that it does are often extremely important.

Maneuver chords can automatically deploy flaps to use them as airbrakes, ailerons and elevators if needed and the flaps will never be opened to the extent that would damage them from the aircraft's speed. Maneuver chords may also utilize varying control surfaces for roles different from the intended one (elevators used as airbrakes, rudders used to increase roll speed Ect.)

Half stall equalizers are commonly configured manually by downfall pilots using them as they may be set to prioritize their own control or the pilot's inputs. These equalizers can also be set to stop interfering with pilot input to allow pilots to intentionally enter spins or perform otherwise dangerous maneuvers.

All Aspect Equalizer (AAE)

All aspect Equalizers are as the name suggests all three equalizer kinds integrated as one. An AEE is noticeably heavier then any singular equalizer, with it's core systems weighing up to 150 kg. All aspect equalizers require lots of cooling and their own radiators are often given an air intake. They also consume lots of electricity when compared to individual ones. While these may seem like disadvantages an all aspect is in every way better to having three separate equalizers due to combined cooling, electricity and processing efficiency. AAEs also have lots of integrations that save performance by preventing equalizers from running parallel tasks.