Final answer:
The Flight Management System (FMS) is used in aviation to provide waypoint-to-waypoint or direct-to-waypoint navigation for multi-leg flight plans with several waypoints each, the exact number of which can vary by system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is regarding the capabilities of the Flight Management System (FMS), which is used in aviation to manage an aircraft's flight. The FMS provides waypoint-to-waypoint or direct-to-waypoint navigation for multi-leg flight plans consisting of up to several waypoints each.
Specifically, the FMS allows pilots to input a chain of waypoints that the aircraft will then follow, ensuring that the flight follows a predefined path which could consist of straight lines or more complex navigational procedures. These waypoints are typically defined by geographical coordinates or by reference to navigational aids.
Modern FMS units can handle significant numbers of waypoints, but the exact number can vary depending on the system's design and the aircraft type. It is common for FMS to handle flight plans with dozens of waypoints, allowing for precise and efficient long-haul flight routing.
The FMS also provides important information to the crew, such as the estimated time of arrival and fuel calculations, and is integral to modern avionics for commercial, military, and private aviation sectors.