Avionics are the
electronic systems used on aircraft,
artificial satellites, and
spacecraft. Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are fitted to aircraft to perform individual functions. These can be as simple as a searchlight for a
police helicopter or as complicated as the tactical system for an
airborne early warning platform. The term
avionics is a
portmanteau of the words
aviation and
electronics.