What was the main innovation of the Airbus A320?

The main innovation of the Airbus A320 was the introduction of fly-by-wire controls. This technology replaced conventional manual flight control systems with electronic interfaces, allowing for more precise control of the aircraft. Fly-by-wire systems utilize computers to interpret the pilot's inputs and adjust the aircraft's control surfaces accordingly. This not only improves responsiveness and handling characteristics but also enhances safety by incorporating protections against certain operational limits, such as excessive bank angles or stalls.

The A320’s fly-by-wire system was groundbreaking for commercial aviation, setting a precedent for future aircraft designs. It demonstrated the potential of digital avionics in improving operational efficiency and reliability, which became a crucial factor in the evolution of modern airliners.