Futuristic Cockpit
In February 2015 Saab and AEL Sistemas (AEL) signed a partnership agreement to supply avionics systems for the Gripen NG in Brazil. A technology transfer contract has also been signed by both the companies. AEL will introduce the latest displays, processors and software technologies into the program, Sérgio Horta, President AEL said. These components will include Large area display (LAD) and the head-up display (HUD) for the Gripen NG. Over the next four years AEL will provide development, integration and production work to be performed in Porto Alegre. System integration work will be undertaken by Saab and Embraer. The LAD for Brazil’s Gripen NG aircraft is a single intelligent and full-redundant multi-purpose display system, full-color, large-screen (19 x 8.25 in) with continuous image presentation and the state-of-the-art touch-screen controls capability. It is the primary source of all flight and mission information in the cockpit. AEL will also develop a new HUD for Brazil’s Gripen NG aircraft. The HUD provides essential flight and mission information to the pilot when looking ‘heads up’ out of the cockpit.
The LAD application has been integrated by AEL parent company Elbit Systems into the CockpitNG architecture – The display is fully integrated with the helmet mounted systems and HUD. All of the system’s components are designed with modern ‘multi-touch’ technology in order to allow the pilot to operate the aircraft in an intuitive, fully customizable manner.
Elbit System’ AEL has also been involved with Brazil’s KC390 program, The company is providing two wide-angle night vision enabled HUD; enhanced vision system (EVS) which enables the pilots to detect runway lights in low visibility conditions and to project them on the HUD; AEL also provides the mission computer – a powerful platform hosting the KC-390 mission applications; a self-protection suite (SPS) consisting of a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Warning Sensor (MWS) and the MUSIC – directional IR missile countermeasures (DIRCM); along with chaff and flare dispensers.
