fly-by-wire

American  

[flahy-bahy-wahyuhr] / ˈflaɪ baɪˈwaɪər /

adjective

1. (of aircraft or spacecraft) activated entirely by electronic controls.

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fly-by-wire British  

noun

1.  FBW.  aircraft control through systems operated by electronic circuits rather than mechanical rods

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Example Sentences

The F-15EX is the most advanced version of the F-15, with digital fly-by-wire flight controls, a new electronic warfare system, a digital cockpit, and the latest mission systems and software capabilities, Boeing said.

From Reuters

Test pilot Paul Stone said that the craft's digital fly-by-wire system and multiple rotors make it much easier to fly than a traditional helicopter.

From Reuters

Honeywell is supplying the cockpit instruments and screens, the flight control computer, the fly-by-wire flight control system and the cabin air system.

From Seattle Times

The 560-foot boats will be armed with Trident II D5 nuclear missiles, fly-by-wire, computer-generated navigational controls, a stealthy X-shaped stern and ultra-quieting “electric drive” propulsion.

From Fox News

Later Boeing planes, the 777 and 787, are “fly-by-wire” with the control surfaces moved electrically by computer after pilot input.

From Seattle Times