CMC Electronics Inc., Montreal, has been selected as the avionics systems integrator for the new Aermacchi M-311 basic jet trainer, which includes CMC’s integrated glass cockpit.
Under an agreement between Italy-based Aermacchi and CMC, the avionics suite will be fitted in both front and rear cockpits. The front cockpit will consist of a CMC SparrowHawk head up display (HUD) and up front control panel (UFCP) and three 5×7-inch multifunction displays. The rear cockpit suite also comprises a UFCP and three 5×7 inch multifunction displays, one of which can also be used as the HUD repeater.
“We are very pleased to be the avionics integrator for the Aermacchi M-311 jet trainer,” Jean-Michel Comtois, CMC Vice President, Military Aviation, says. “Upgrading trainer cockpit avionics is a cornerstone of CMC Electronics’ military aviation business and our selection for the M-311 firmly establishes CMC’s position as a leading supplier of integrated cockpit avionics.”
At the heart of the avionics are two CMC FV-4000 mission computers. Their open architecture uses proven avionics hardware, based on CompactPCI/PMC technology. The SparrowHawk HUD and three multifunction displays in both the front and rear cockpits are driven directly by the FV-4000 mission computers, providing control and display functions for the high-resolution graphics of the navigation and mission data.
A variety of pages can be displayed simply, using soft bezel keys. Selectable mission data includes primary flight display, engine indicator data and stores management.
Because of the centralized control provided by the two mission computers, CMC says, all functions can be controlled from the up front control panels and/or hands on throttle and stick, greatly simplifying cockpit management.
“With CMC’s integrated avionics suite fitted in the M-311, this upgraded jet trainer will expose students to advanced avionics at the stage of basic/intermediate training, thus simplifying the transition to advanced trainers and modern operational aircraft,” Comtois says. “The avionics suite includes simulated weapons delivery capabilities and has accommodated other functions such as embedded air combat manoeuvering instrumentation with virtual radar and electronic warfare simulation and digital mapping. A key benefit is that this open architecture design allows for growth and protects against obsolescence.”
