MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System)
A flight control software system on the Boeing 737 MAX that automatically pushed the nose down to compensate for the aerodynamic effects of larger, repositioned engines.
Why it matters
MCAS became the center of the 737 MAX safety investigation and the most prominent case study in the PLM community for the consequences of inadequate digital thread governance.
Related concepts
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “MCAS (Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System).” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/mcas-maneuvering-characteristics-augmentation-system