BARCO’s Avionics Multi-Function Displays Selected by Eurocopter For Super Puma MK1
LE BOURGET, FRANCE, June 12, 1999 -- BARCO Display Systems has been selected by Eurocopter, Marignane, France, to supply an initial batch of 28 intelligent Avionics Multi-Function Displays MFD-5.4/1 for Super Puma MK1.
All Super Puma MK1 helicopters are being equipped with an engine instrument system that includes two BARCO MFD-5.4/1 displays, with increased functionality and improved communication capability.The BARCO MFD-5.4/1 utilizes the latest technologies in optical contrast enhancement and reflection reduction techniques for superior viewing in direct sunlight, and has excellent optical performance in night conditions.
The BARCO MFD-5.4/1 consists of a high quality full sunlight-readable color Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display (AMLCD) flat panel with optional Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS B), and a multi-function keyboard. The display has a resolution of 640 x 480, and uses standard ARINC 429 interfacing. The MFD-5.4/1 is a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) display that has been especially designed for avionics applications, and that at the same time, is fully compliant with MIL-L-85762A with regard to luminance, contrast and NVIS radiance.
The MFD-5.4/1 provides over 200 fL of flat field white luminance which ensures superior viewing in direct sunlight, whereas the >8000:1 dimming of its fluorescent backlight for night operations provides a full flat white field luminance as low as <0.02 fL.
The MFD-5.4/1 hardware is fully modular, to allow flexibility of functionality as well as performance growth. BARCO’s symbol generator is a powerful tool to generate all anti-aliased graphics. BARCO installed appropriate communication tools to allow Eurocopter to define the symbology needed for this project. Software has been developed in object-oriented modules, using ADA as the main language. This will enable customers to be in control of the software functions and performance. The software meets DO-178B Level B. The MFD-5.4/1 has FAA/JAA TSO certification for this application.
Delivery of the BARCO MFD-5.4/1 multi-function displays is expected to begin in the last quarter of 1999. The equipment will be part of the base avionics package on all future Super Puma MK1 sales.
About BarcoView:
BarcoView with operation facilities in Kortrijk (Belgium), Toulouse (France), Atlanta, Georgia and Portland, Oregon (USA) designs and manufactures high-resolution display systems, displays, graphics controllers and display subsystems for highly demanding niche markets such as C4I, avionics, vessel and air traffic control, vehicle electronics, and medical imaging applications.
Alongside Barco Projection Systems and BarcoVision, BarcoView is one of the three strategic activities of the BARCO Group, which are all active in Image Processing. Barco Projection is in various markets of large screen visualization, whereas BarcoVision develops systems for visual inspection and quality control. In 2000, the entire BARCO group delivered a turnover of euro 751 million. BARCO has a network of subsidiaries, distributors and agents in 97 countries throughout the world. BARCO has been quoted on the Brussels Stock Exchange since 1986, and is now quoted on Brussels/Euronext. BARCO is a BEL 20 and a Next 150 company and is member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.
