It is unstable in flight and has artificial stability provided by a fly-by-wire system.
Well, sir, the way it looks right now, the fly-by-wire system is suspect.
For example, in a fly-by-wire system, telemetry must be interpreted and acted upon within strict time constraints.
In addition, two other computers provide a connection between the mechanically operated parts of the rudder and the fly-by-wire system.
Many newer aircraft replace these mechanical controls with fly-by-wire systems.
It was later used in 1973-1974 during the development of the Su-27's fly-by-wire system.
The main concern with fly-by-wire systems is reliability.
Preliminary reports said that the crash was due to a malfunction in the fly-by-wire system.
The SkyTote is special as it features a fly-by-wire system with remote control.
The fly-by-wire system reduces weight and provides for the independent operation of individual spoilers.