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(Farnborough Air Show – July 9, 2012) Esterline CMC Electronics (CMC) will demonstrate its new digital SparrowHawk™ Head-Up Display (HUD) for the first time at the Farnborough Air Show. The all-digital, raster video capable HUD will be showcased in the company’s new Cockpit 4000 NexGen technology demonstrator that is being promoted at the show. This next-generation glass cockpit is targeted at advanced military trainer aircraft as well as ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and light attack aircraft.
Designed for both the tactical and training environment, the SparrowHawk digital HUD features a solid state display with a large 28° field of view. It has extensive built-in testing for simplified maintainability, internal data logging and continuous in-flight testing to track system conditions during flight.
Greg Yeldon, president, Esterline CMC Electronics, said: “CMC has gained a reputation for producing highly reliable and accurate HUD systems. Our lightweight and compact HUDs are flying on several of the major trainer and light attack platforms in service today. Lower life-cycle costs, greater maintainability and brighter raster display quality are just a few of the many benefits available with our new digital SparrowHawk.”
The digital SparrowHawk offers numerous maintenance saving features such as electronic boresighting support (for original equipment installation); automatic boresighting (removal and replacement do not require re-boresighting of the HUD); O-Level interchangeable combiners (without requiring re-boresighting or re-calibration of the HUD).
The digital SparrowHawk can also be fitted with an optional HUD Camera, video recording system and an up front control panel, which allow the pilot to select the system mode and manually enter numerical data in the mission system.
When combined with CMC’s operational flight programs, the digital SparrowHawk HUD can provide a complete weapon delivery system offering a powerful, cost-effective solution for aircraft that perform a wide range of missions. Configurable symbology offers fleet commonality in “look and feel” and ensures minimal impact on pilot transition across aircraft types.
CMC’s legacy HUD systems are currently flying on numerous trainer and light attack platforms, including the Pilatus PC-9 and PC-21, Hawker Beechcraft T-6 B/C and AT-6 B, KAI KT-1C and KT-1T, the L-159A/B, and the BAE Hawk Mk51 and Mk66 aircraft upgraded for the Finnish Air Force. The SparrowHawk HUD also flew on the USN F-14B. CMC’s HUDs are flying on a variety of rotorcraft such as the Westland Super Lynx 300, Mil Mi-24 and the PZL Swidnik W-3PL Gluszec. CMC has also completed development and flight testing for the A-10C HUD upgrade program.
Esterline CMC Electronics (www.cmcelectronics.ca) designs and produces leading technology electronics products for the commercial and military aviation markets. CMC’s focus is on delivering innovative cockpit systems integration and avionics solutions to its customers worldwide. Its principal locations are in Montreal, Quebec; Ottawa, Ontario; and Chicago, Illinois. CMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Esterline Corporation (NYSE:ESL, www.esterline.com), a specialized aerospace and defense company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Esterline employs close to 12,000 people worldwide.
