SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. & MONTREAL, Québec – September 26, 2019 – StandardAero and Thales recently signed a long-term partnership agreement for the certification and distribution of the Thales TopMax wearable Head-Up Display (HUD) for use in business aviation aircraft.
TopMax is an industry first, resulting from Thales’ decades-long experience in military Helmet Mounted Display Systems (HMDS) and civilian Head-Up Display (HUD). It is the only wearable HUD system whose ergonomics and functionalities are specifically adapted to the needs of civil pilots, whose missions are longer and therefore need a light weight wearable HUD. At a glance, pilots with TopMax have instant and intuitive access to critical flight information for navigation and safety. TopMax is unique in the industry as its Synthetic Vision System (SVS) provides a full color, unlimited 360° field-of-regard. The SVS system also allows for off-axis symbology including cross wind, synthetic runway, extended navigational centerline and 3D traffic display for advanced situational awareness and safety.
Utilizing its in-house Organizational Delegation Authorization (ODA), StandardAero anticipates the approval of several Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for TopMax systems in multiple business aviation aircraft. Once certified, Thales and StandardAero will collaborate in delivering this new technology to market that is easily installed for minimal aircraft downtime.
“Thanks to this partnership, business jet operators now have access to a worldwide network and a one-stop shop to have Thales TopMax installed on their aircraft” said Marc Drobny, President of StandardAero Business Aviation.
“Thales TopMax will revolutionize how pilots fly business aircraft,” said Michel Grenier head of Avionics in North America for Thales. “The system will offer identical operational benefits for both take-off and landing as current Head-Up Displays, along with numerous other operational capabilities.”
Top Max offers an ideal combination of operational, technical and life-cycle cost benefits for aircraft owners and operators. For pilots, the lightweight design and simplicity of use make it an ideal system for advanced avionics interfacing.
TopMax provides many benefits to pilots, including operational credits for:
- Manual eyes-out CAT II landing
- ILS Special Authorization CAT I (SA CAT I) / Lower than standard CAT I (LTS CAT I)
- Low Visibility for Take-Off (LVTO)
- Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS)
Note to Editors:
StandardAero and Thales will be providing TopMax demos and hardware displays at company exhibits during the annual 2019 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), held October 22-24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
StandardAero is one of the world’s largest independent providers of services including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components and energy markets. StandardAero is owned by The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG), a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across four business segments: Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Credit and Investment Solutions. With $216 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2018, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of our investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. For more information, go to www.standardaero.com.
Thales – The people we all rely on to make the world go round – they rely on Thales. Our customers come to us with big ambitions: to make life better, to keep us safer. Combining a unique diversity of expertise, talents and cultures, our architects design and deliver extraordinary high technology solutions. Solutions that make tomorrow possible, today. From the bottom of the oceans to the depth of space and cyberspace, we help our customers think smarter and act faster – mastering ever greater complexity and every decisive moment along the way. With 80,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales reported sales of $22.4 billion in 2018, on a pro forma basis including Gemalto.
In Canada, Thales is a leader in research and technology, combining over 50 years of experience with the talent of more than 2,000 skilled people located coast-to-coast. With revenues of over $850 million, Thales Canada offers leading capabilities in the urban rail, civil aviation, defence, digital identity and security sectors, meeting the most complex needs and requirements of its customers across all operating environments.