Thales new FlytX avionics suite for future CHEETAH & TIGER MK3 helicopters

The FlytX avionics suite was selected by Airbus Helicopters and the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) to equip the future H160M Light Joint Helicopters (HIL). In parallel, Airbus Helicopters and Thales are pursuing studies for the potential integration of FlytX on the future TIGER MK3.

Designed in Bordeaux, this cockpit facilitates the piloting thanks to the latest technologies in terms of display. FlytX relies on tactile, direct and natural human-machine interfaces. The workload is thus reduced allowing pilots to concentrate on their missions with an optimal level of security.

The avionics suite FlytX will equip the CHEETAHs, future version of the militarised H160 of Airbus Helicopters. FlytX is the result of the Avionics 2020 concept unveiled at the 2013 Paris Air Show, featuring a tactile and ergonomic interface designed by and for pilots.

Military helicopters have to perform reconnaissance, fire support, surveillance or rescue missions in an increasingly saturated environment. Pilots must be able to observe their enemies, avoid obstacles and accomplish their missions while driving and checking the information transmitted by the aircraft system.

Focused entirely on mission, FlytX has been developed to offer maximum efficiency. The technology implemented in the FlytX solution reduces the workload of the pilots so that at each decisive moment, they can concentrate on the success of their missions.

Thanks to Thales’ expertise in the field of avionics, the solution offers maximum efficiency in terms of human-machine interaction. This cockpit allows faster access to information associated with a synthetic representation of the external environment. With a large display area, this avionics facilitates the interaction of crews, encompassing all aircraft systems, merging information and making decision making more instinctive.

Customisable and evolving, this cockpit of the future can perfectly adapt to the specific needs of crews and their missions. Fully connected, FlytX is interfaceable, in flight and on the ground, with applications from the open world in a cybersecure environment. Operators will thus be able to access, in a completely secure environment, their own systems and make them evolve freely.

“Innovative, efficient and essential for the success of missions, the Thales FlytX solution will perfectly meet the new standards of military aviation. Ergonomic, tactile and intuitive this cockpit allows a rapid familiarization of the pilot with his cockpit. This avionics suite is also available to equip civilian helicopters,” Gil Michielin, Deputy Director General Avionics, Thales, explained.

Brian Kindamo