What are avionics and what systems do they include?

Avionics (aviation electronics) encompass all electronic systems used in aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. Key systems include: Flight instruments (attitude, altitude, airspeed, heading), Navigation systems (GPS, INS, VOR, ILS), Communication systems (VHF, HF, SATCOM), Flight management systems (FMS), Autopilot and flight control computers, Radar and weather systems, Collision avoidance (TCAS, EGPWS), and Display systems (glass cockpit). Avionics typically represent 30-40% of aircraft cost and are critical for safety and operational capability.