• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Thales introduces innovative helicopter avionics system based on advanced glass cockpit

20 July 2004

- On demonstration on Thales booth B4 - Hall 3 -

Thales is proud to introduce an innovative helicopter avionics system based on an advanced glass cockpit. Featuring large LCD displays, the TopDeck avionics package covers both civil and military helicopter requirements with an open, scalable architecture compatible with new air traffic regulations. Thales' new helicopter avionics package is largely based on the new Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) concept developed for the A380.

TopDeck features a modular design, combining off-the-shelf hardware modules and software-based operational functions. This means a scalable architecture that could be offered on current and upcoming programs based on a common glass cockpit.

The TopDeck glass cockpit can be supplied with four or five displays (10x8 inches) for primary flight, navigation, engine and system information, tactical mission data (radar, intervisibility, electronic warning /missile warning systems, etc.) and imagery coupling (FLIR, etc.). It delivers significant improvements in reliability, maintainability, size and weight and gives helicopter pilots a user-friendly human-machine interface based on the window/interactive concept.

TopDeck also comes with the Interactive Flight Management and Map System, an innovative new system that combines navigation and digital map functions to improve situational awareness and significantly reduce pilot workload.
It offers:

* Real-time, accurate map positioning and easy correlation between map and terrain
* Simpler navigation management through an intuitive HMI covering both basic and complex Flight Management System (FMS) functions
* Improved mission efficiency and unrivalled decision aid

TopDeck also gives helicopters real-time tactical situation management capability through the COFEUX system. With this system, pilots get a better overall perception of the current mission environment, including terrain, friendly and enemy forces, weather, etc. This makes it easier to effectively prepare and modify the flight plan at any given moment. In addition, the COFEUX system supports decision-aid functions, and will help develop and validate operational concepts and procedures for helicopter air-to-ground fire control.

The TopDeck package also includes: navigation sensors, Radio Management System (RMS), Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), centralised maintenance, and a Health & Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) as well as Helmet-Mounted Sight/Display (HMSD) connections and various system interfaces for tactical missions.

Thales' sustained R&D investments mean that customers will always have solutions that meet their evolving needs. The innovative TopDeck system was developed thanks to Thales' expertise in key enabling technologies, especially its broad-based capabilities in the United Kingdom where Thales has long worked with the government as equipment supplier, systems integrator or prime contractor on large-scale programmes.

Press Contacts:
Brigitte Porée, VP Communications - +33 (0) 69 75 38 08
Dominique Huard, Press Officer - +33 (0) 1 39 45 50 60
Verena Adt, Press Officer - +33 (0) 1 57 77 8626 - Verena.adt@thalesgroup.com