Fly-by-wire aircraft have redundant computers - 3, IIRC. At least, the F-111 had 3.
And yes, there were times a plane crashed due to computer problems. However, using computers allows an aircraft that is inherently unstable (thus also more maneuverable) to fly. We use fly by wire because the additional performance is critical, knowing it can sometimes fail, even with 3 cross-checking computers.
I don’t see drive by wire offering that significant a performance improvement for transmissions. Fuel? Maybe. Gear selection? No thanks.
I like your reasoning there. I agree. For flight it does offer a clear advantage. The computer actually keeps you in the air there. On the auto, it doesn’t really provide an operational advantage unless I’m just totally missing it.
The F-16 has 4 channels with 4 signals in each...and a comparator circuit.
Power (assisted) steering and power (assisted) brakes....things that have been part of cars since the early ‘60s are, though originally mechanical, in essence a form of “fly by wire” since you are using other systems (besides human muscle) as force in these safety systems. They aren’t strictly necessary, as there have been generations of cars, and even heavy trucks and tractors which were “fully manual.” Power features however, do make vehicles easier to drive, and more convenient.
Electronic fuel control systems make engines far more efficient and drivable(modern diesel cars for example, due to electronics, are almost indistinguishable in driving than their gasoline powered cousins—contra the diesel slug-cars from 20 years ago), suspension controls, emission controls, lighting....and you name it-—all systems can be improved even if just subtly, with electronics. Even our discussion here is via electronics...it is silly to be a Luddite when it comes to the amazing improvements which electronic tweaking can and does provide to virtually all complex electro/mechanical systems, of which a car is a typical example.
Due to pollution and other controls, it’s safe to say without complex computer electronics, not a single car made today would operate at all.
I don’t know for sure, but I’m nearly certain that Toyota’s electronic controls (and all other brands) have a redundant system, as in fighter aircraft.... Though naturally in cars SINCE YOU CAN ALWAYS PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, such a level of failsafe systems as you find in aircraft are not nearly as necessary.