Definition
A communication path that connects two systems, units, or networks directly, allowing data or signals to be exchanged between them without passing through a separate central station. In aviation electronics, a crosslink typically refers to a direct data connection between two aircraft, two satellites, or two avionics units operating in parallel.
Plain English
A direct line that lets two systems talk to each other without going through a middleman.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft systems and maintenance descriptions, especially where one control movement is designed to automatically affect another control or part.
Derivation
From 'cross' (going from one side to another) and 'link' (a connection). A crosslink is literally a connection that goes across between two parallel things rather than up and down through a central hub.
Why Pilots Care
Crosslinks let redundant systems share information so that if one path or unit fails, the other still has the data it needs. They also reduce reliance on ground stations for certain navigation and communication tasks.
Intuition Check
Do not assume crosslink means an electronic data connection. In this context, it means a connection that makes two aircraft parts or controls move in a related way.
Example Sentence 1
The two flight management computers share position data through a crosslink, so each one always has the same information.
Example Sentence 2
The navigation computer used the crosslink to receive updated waypoint data from the ground station.