China Southern Airlines has selected the Dual Head Up Displays (HUD) configuration across 30 of their new Airbus A320s, alongside the Thales Flight Management System and LRRARadio altimeter.
With this order, Thales scores a double first in China. This represents the largest contract for HUDs and the first ever for a dual configuration system since the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) made it mandatory for all Chinese registered aircraft to be equipped with HUDs (single HUD configuration is the minimum requirement). This further milestone cements Thales's continued position of strength in the Chinese avionics sector over 1000 Chinese registered aircraft equipped.
The dual configuration developed by Thales, and certified by Airbus in early 2015 is a clear step forward compared to a single configuration as it provides information to both pilots. With eyes focused outside, viewing the presentation of flight path, acceleration, visual glide slope angle and the runway aim point, both pilot and co-pilot can achieve greater precision and situational awareness at all times and are able to interact with one another with the same level of information during the critical phases of the flight, especially in low visibility conditions.
With this contract, Thales becomes a leader in HUD technology in China. The Group will equip its HUDs across China Eastern, Sichuan Airlines and Loong Air, as well as Spring Airways.