The attempt of implementing neural networks for brain-like computations like patterns recognition, decisions making, motory control and many others is made possible by the advent of large scale computers in the late 1950's. Indeed, ANNs can be viewed as a major new approach to computational methodology since the introduction of digital computers.

Although the initial intent of ANNs was to explore and reproduce human information processing tasks such as speech, vision, and knowledge processing, ANNs also demonstrated their superior capability for classification and function approximation problems. This has great potential for solving complex problems such as systems control, data compression, optimization problems, pattern recognition, and system identification.

Artificial neural networks were originally developed as tools for the exploration and reproduction of human information processing tasks such as speech, vision, olfaction, touch, knowledge processing and motor control. Today, most research is directed towards the development of artificial neural networks for applications such as data compression, optimization, pattern matching, system modeling, function approximation, and control. One of the application areas to which we apply artificial neural networks is flight control. Artificial neural networks give control systems a variety of advanced capabilities.

There are many different ways in which people refer to the same type of neural networks technology. Neural networks are described as connectionist systems, because of the connections between individual processing nodes. They are sometimes called adaptive systems, because the values of these connections can change so that the neural network performs more effectively. They are also sometimes called parallel distributed processing systems, which emphasize the way in which the many nodes or neurons in a neural network operate in parallel. The theory that inspires neural network systems is drawn from many disciplines; primarily from neuroscience, engineering, and computer science, but also from psychology, mathematics, physics, and linguistics.