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E6B

The , often referred to as the "whiz wheel," is a circular designed for use, enabling pilots to perform analog calculations for , , and without relying on electronic devices. It features two main sides: the calculator side for basic arithmetic operations like , , percentages, and unit conversions, and the wind side for graphical solutions involving wind effects on movement. Key applications include determining from and altitude, calculating groundspeed and wind correction angles via wind triangles, estimating fuel burn and time en route, and computing for adjustments. Constructed typically from durable materials like aluminum or more affordable options such as or , the device consists of a fixed outer disk, a rotatable inner disk, and a sliding card for aligning scales, all marked with graduated logarithmic and trigonometric scales. Invented by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Philip Dalton in the 1930s, the E6B originated as an improvement over existing artillery range calculators, drawing on Dalton's background in physics and aviation training. It was formally introduced to the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940 under the designation "E-6B," reflecting its official part number, and quickly became essential for dead reckoning navigation—plotting position based on heading, speed, time, and wind drift. During World War II, following the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, the Army Air Forces ordered approximately 400,000 units to equip pilots, particularly in B-17 bomber crews, where it proved vital for long-range missions amid limited radio navigation options. Tragically, Dalton died in a training accident in July 1941, shortly after its adoption, leaving a legacy that extended into postwar civilian and military aviation. Despite the advent of digital tools like GPS, electronic flight bags, and smartphone apps since the mid-20th century, the E6B endures as a fundamental training aid in flight schools worldwide, mandated for FAA knowledge tests and practical exams to instill core piloting principles. Its battery-free reliability makes it an ideal backup during power failures or electronic malfunctions, while its mechanical nature visually demonstrates concepts like wind influence that digital interfaces often abstract. Available in manual, , and simulator forms, the E6B symbolizes heritage, outselling many modern alternatives and remaining a for aspiring pilots.

Design and Components

Physical Construction

The traditional E6B flight computer features a mechanical design consisting of a stationary frame with a flat circular rotating portion attached via a central metal rivet, allowing smooth rotation for alignment of scales on the calculator side, while the wind side incorporates a rotatable transparent plotting transparency over a fixed grid and an independently sliding card. This analog construction enables manual computations without any electronic components, emphasizing portability and reliability in aviation settings. The E6B is typically constructed from durable materials such as aluminum for the frame in premium models, with economical variants using , , or , and transparent or similar synthetics for the rotating disk to facilitate and marking. Aluminum versions provide robust construction suitable for repeated use, while and options offer cost-effective alternatives without compromising core functionality. The scales are printed directly onto these materials, with the transparent disk allowing markings for temporary annotations during calculations. Standard E6B models measure approximately 9.75 inches by 5 inches overall, with the functional circular section around 6 inches in diameter, ensuring it fits easily in a pilot's flight bag or . Weights vary by material, with or constructions under 4 ounces (about 0.21 pounds) for maximum portability, and metal aluminum versions around 0.65 pounds to balance durability and ease of handling. Assembly involves securing the rotating disk to the fixed frame using the central , often with additional clips or fasteners to maintain alignment and prevent slippage during use. This simple mechanical linkage supports precise rotations essential for the device's slide-rule operations.

Scale Markings and Functions

The E6B operates on the principle of a circular , utilizing logarithmic scales to enable multiplication, division, and proportional calculations without electronic aids. These scales are calibrated such that the distance between numbers represents the logarithm of their values, allowing users to align markings for direct ratio computations, such as speed-to-distance conversions. The outer fixed scale, often labeled as the A scale, features logarithmic markings for various units including statute miles (SM, positioned near 76), nautical miles (NM, near 66), and kilometers (KM, near 12). These markings facilitate distance, speed, and fuel-related calculations by providing a common logarithmic reference for multiplication and division across and systems. For instance, the scale's graduation varies—0.1 between 10 and 11, increasing to 1 at 60—to accommodate precise readings in different ranges. The inner rotatable disk, known as the B scale, mirrors the logarithmic progression of the outer scale to support ratio-based operations, with additional specialized arcs such as time markings in hours and minutes. Users rotate this disk to align specific indices, like the airspeed index or the 1 HOUR triangular pointer, with values on the outer scale; this alignment exploits slide rule mechanics to compute proportions, such as deriving time from speed and distance by setting the rate arrow to the known speed and reading the result opposite the distance. The inner scale also includes units like kilograms (KG, near 17), meters (M, near 44), and liters (L, near 48) for conversions. On the back side, the E6B features a triangular wind grid designed for vector solutions in wind correction, with a rotatable compass rose, a central grommet for plotting, and scales for wind speed (typically 0-80 or 0-160 knots). This grid enables graphical determination of groundspeed and drift angle by aligning true course and wind direction. Additionally, a dedicated true airspeed (TAS) conversion window uses data from the NACA Report 218 standard atmosphere model to adjust indicated airspeed for altitude and temperature effects.

Calculations

Time, Speed, and Distance

The E6B flight computer facilitates basic en route planning in aviation through scalar calculations of time, speed, and distance, primarily using its slide rule side with logarithmic scales calibrated in nautical miles and knots. These computations assume a constant speed and enable pilots to determine positional elements without accounting for directional factors like wind, which are addressed separately. The device employs a circular or linear slide mechanism where the inner and outer scales align to solve the fundamental relationship D = S \times T, where D is distance in nautical miles, S is speed in knots, and T is time in hours (or fractions thereof, often converted to minutes for precision). To perform these calculations, the E6B uses a fixed "rate arrow" or marker on the outer , typically set to the speed value, allowing direct reading of time or from aligned scales. For time en route, align the with the known speed on the outer , locate the distance on the outer , and read the corresponding time on the inner ; times are marked in minutes up to 60, with hours indicated separately for longer durations. This method inherently applies the inverse of the formula, T = D / S, by leveraging the logarithmic to compute divisions efficiently. For instance, for a 245-nautical-mile at 150 knots, yields approximately 1 hour and 38 minutes. Conversely, to find distance covered, set the index to the known speed, position the inner scale's time value under it, and read the distance directly from the outer scale, implementing D = S \times T. A representative example is a 30-minute flight at 120 knots: align the index with 120 on the outer scale, place 30 minutes on the inner scale beneath it, and read 60 nautical miles on the outer scale, confirming the product through scale proportionality. To compute speed (such as from observed time and distance), align the known time on the inner scale opposite the on the outer scale, then read the speed at the index; for 13 minutes covering 26 nautical miles, this results in 120 knots. Units is integrated via dedicated markings on the scales, such as NAUT for nautical miles/knots and for miles/, allowing seamless shifts between standards and land-based measures. For example, setting 90 under the NAUT arrow and reading under yields 103.5 , reflecting the 1.15078 factor from knots to . These basic operations form the foundation for en route planning and can integrate with subsequent wind corrections for refined .

Wind and Heading Correction

The wind and heading correction functionality of the E6B flight computer utilizes its reverse side, known as the wind face, which features a with concentric speed arcs and radial lines to graphically solve the wind triangle. This method allows pilots to account for effects on flight path by combining (TAS), true course (TC), and and velocity vectors to determine true heading (TH), wind correction angle (WCA), drift angle, and groundspeed (GS). The graphical approach avoids algebraic computation, relying instead on alignment and measurement on the device's sliding and rotatable disk. To set up the wind triangle, the pilot first rotates the on the wind face to align the given true with the true at the top. Next, the sliding is positioned so its central aligns over the value on the appropriate speed arc (e.g., 120 knots). A mark is then placed at a distance representing the wind speed (e.g., 20 knots) outward from the grommet along the line, creating the . The is rotated to place the true course under the true , and the is slid—without rotating—to align the wind mark precisely over the TAS arc. This alignment forms the wind triangle graphically, where the true course line serves as the reference. True heading is determined by reading the wind correction angle from the scale where the wind vector intersects the grid lines relative to the true course centerline; a positive value indicates a correction into the wind (e.g., right WCA for a left crosswind). The TH is then calculated as TC ± WCA. The drift angle, which represents the angular deviation between the intended ground track and the actual path without correction, is approximately equal to the WCA for small angles. Groundspeed is read directly under the grommet on the speed scale after alignment, reflecting the resultant vector of TAS adjusted for wind. This process embodies vector addition, where the ground vector is the vector sum of the air vector (TAS along TH) and the wind vector; quantitatively, GS = TAS × cos(drift angle), providing the component of TAS along the ground track. For isolating the crosswind component, which causes drift, the E6B's grid employs converging lines spaced to facilitate perpendicular wind effects, often leveraging 60-degree angular relationships in the triangular vector layout to measure the lateral wind force orthogonal to the course. The pilot identifies the angle between wind direction and true course, then uses the grid's radial and arc intersections to scale the crosswind as the perpendicular leg of the wind triangle, distinct from the headwind or tailwind component along the track. This graphical isolation aids in assessing drift without separate trigonometric tools. A representative example involves a 100-knot with a 10-knot at 90 degrees to the true course. Aligning the wind to the course on yields a drift of approximately 5 degrees, requiring a 5-degree WCA into the wind to maintain the . The resulting groundspeed is about 99.5 knots, calculated as 100 × cos(5°), illustrating the minor reduction due to the crosswind's opposition.

Fuel Consumption and Conversions

The E6B flight computer facilitates fuel burn estimation by multiplying the aircraft's fuel flow rate, typically expressed in gallons per hour (GPH), by the planned to determine total required. For instance, an aircraft with a of 10 GPH over a 2.5-hour flight would consume 25 gallons, calculated as total fuel = rate × time. This straightforward scalar multiplication uses the E6B's circular , where the inner scale aligns with hours and minutes, and the outer scale provides the cumulative gallons opposite the index. Endurance, or maximum flight time on available fuel, is computed by dividing total usable fuel by the burn rate on the same slide rule scales. Using the prior example, 48 gallons of usable fuel at 10.3 GPH yields approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes of endurance. Pilots reference aircraft-specific rates from the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), such as 8.4 GPH at cruise power, to ensure accurate planning. The E6B includes dedicated conversion scales for units, notably transforming s (nautical miles per hour) to () or miles. To convert, align the nautical (NAUT) index opposite the knot value on the middle , then read the equivalent under the (STAT) index on the outer ; for example, 90 knots equates to 103.5 . These conversions support integrating speed data across planning phases, such as adapting time inputs from en route calculations. True airspeed (TAS) conversion from (IAS) relies on the E6B's density window, which applies corrections based on and (OAT) under the 1940s ICAO standard atmosphere model, derived from NACA Report No. 218 tables for pressures and densities up to 65,000 feet. Conceptually, approximates IAS divided by the of the ratio to sea-level standard conditions: \text{TAS} = \frac{\text{IAS}}{\sqrt{\frac{\rho}{\rho_0}}} where \rho is air density at altitude and \rho_0 is sea-level density; the window provides a lookup approximation by aligning OAT (in °C) with pressure altitude on the upper scales, then reading TAS opposite IAS on the main scales. For example, at 15,000 feet pressure altitude and -15°C OAT with 145 knots IAS, TAS reads 183 knots. Density altitude adjustments extend this window for non-standard conditions, yielding a corrected altitude that influences and indirectly fuel planning by accounting for reduced air density in hot or high scenarios. After finding , read density altitude under the index; higher values increase for a given IAS, potentially raising fuel consumption due to lower in thinner air, though cruise burn rates remain primarily POH-derived.

History

Invention and Early Development

The E6B flight computer was invented by Philip Dalton, a U.S. Navy lieutenant and enthusiast born in 1903, who held a from and a master's in physics from Princeton. As a naval aviator with experience in missions, Dalton sought to create a more practical tool for in-flight navigation, drawing from his frustration with existing linear slide rules used in artillery and early calculations. His design emerged in the late 1930s as an adaptation of logarithmic slide rules, tailored specifically for tasks such as solving wind triangles and performing . Dalton conceptualized the device around 1936, filing for a titled "Plotting and Computing Device" that year, which was granted as U.S. Patent 2,097,116 on October 26, 1937. By 1940, prototypes had been developed and introduced to the U.S. military, where initial trials focused on enhancing efficiency for pilots. The Army Air Corps assigned it the part number E6B that same year, marking its formal recognition as a standardized tool, though production ramped up only after further validation. Key innovations in Dalton's design included its circular form factor, which allowed for one-handed operation by pilots during flight—a significant improvement over cumbersome linear predecessors. Additionally, the E6B incorporated a dedicated window for true airspeed (TAS) calculations, based on atmospheric data from NACA Report No. 218, "Standard Atmosphere—Tables and Data," published in 1926 by Walter S. Diehl. These features addressed practical aviation needs, such as altitude corrections and velocity adjustments, stemming from Dalton's firsthand naval experience. Tragically, Dalton died in a training accident in July 1941.

Adoption and Standardization

The E6B flight computer was issued as standard equipment to the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940, marking its initial military adoption as an essential tool for aerial navigation. During World War II, it saw extensive use in pilot training programs, with over 400,000 units produced to meet the demands of expanding air forces. Its reliability in performing dead reckoning calculations under combat conditions solidified its role in military aviation curricula across Allied forces. Following the war, the E6B transitioned to widespread civilian and international use, becoming a de facto standard in aviation training by the 1950s. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) incorporated it into private pilot knowledge examinations, where it remains a permitted aid for solving navigation problems. Production evolved with the shift to civilian manufacturers in the late 1940s and 1950s, including Jeppesen & Company, which began producing versions tailored for commercial pilots. Minor updates included the addition of metric scales alongside statute miles and nautical miles to accommodate international users, reflecting broader metrication trends in aviation. By the 1970s, while the E6B retained its core status in training, it was increasingly supplemented—though not replaced—by emerging electronic calculators and early digital flight aids, allowing pilots greater speed in routine computations.

Modern Variants

Improved Analog Models

Following World War II, analog E6B models evolved through material and design refinements that enhanced usability and portability while preserving the device's core functionality, building on the original metal construction introduced in 1940. Manufacturers shifted to lighter materials like and for the backing and components, replacing the heavier of early wartime versions to reduce overall weight and production costs without compromising accuracy. Design improvements focused on readability and convenience for pilots in varied cockpit conditions. introduced color-coded scales on their aluminum E6B models, using distinct colors—such as red for weight and volume calculations, blue for distance, time, and temperature, and black for rate arrows—to streamline identification and reduce errors during rapid computations. Similarly, offers their metal CSG E6B with clear lettering and a non-glare finish for precise scale alignment. Pocket-sized variants, approximately 6 inches long by 3.5 inches wide, emerged in the mid-20th century to offer greater portability; these compact aluminum models retained full functionality, including wind correction grids, and became favored by military aviators for in-flight use. Durability features advanced in later decades with solid aluminum frames that prevent bending, warping, or wear from extended handling, making the devices suitable for rigorous and operational demands. These enhancements ensured the analog E6B's longevity as a reliable tool, distinct from its heavier WWII-era predecessors. The improved analog E6B continues to hold practical and regulatory significance in training. As of 2025, it is an authorized and essential aid for solving , , and wind correction problems on FAA tests, including the private pilot exam, where applicants may use manual or approved electronic versions alongside plotters and basic calculators.

Digital and Software Versions

Electronic flight computers emerged as successors to the analog E6B in the late 20th century, providing automated calculations for aviation tasks such as true airspeed, wind correction, and fuel planning. One early example is Sporty's Electronic E6B, refined over decades, which performs 24 aviation functions including density altitude and time en route computations on a digital interface. Modern devices like the ASA CX-3, released in 2017, feature LCD displays and automate complex operations such as wind triangle solutions, allowing pilots to input variables for instant ground speed and heading outputs. Mobile applications have further digitized E6B functionality, replicating the device's scales on smartphones and tablets for portable use. The E6BX app, available on and since the , offers a visual E6B simulator alongside tools for logging and weather decoding, with GPS integration enabling real-time coordinate conversions between , degrees-minutes-seconds, and other formats. These apps enhance accessibility by incorporating device sensors for precise inputs during . Software integrations embed E6B capabilities into comprehensive flight management platforms, streamlining pre-flight preparations. , launched in 2011, incorporates E6B-like calculators within its ecosystem, combining sectional charts, airport data, and automated performance computations to replace standalone tools. These systems employ standard algorithms for true airspeed derivations, drawing from established aerodynamic principles to ensure accuracy in varying atmospheric conditions. Digital versions offer advantages in speed and , enabling rapid iterations for scenarios like en route adjustments, though they depend on power and reliability, potentially limiting use in low-resource environments. As of 2025, FAA regulations permit E6Bs on knowledge tests and practical exams, provided they are non-programmable and -specific, but analog models remain recommended for to build foundational skills. Market adoption reflects a shift toward tools, with over 250,000 pilots using devices like Sporty's E6B for routine operations by the early 2020s. approaches, blending analog interfaces with outputs in apps like E6BX, cater to pilots preferring tactile simulation while leveraging computational efficiency.

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