Thales Launches Exciting Flight Trials for the FlytX Avionics Innovation

The newest generation of the FlytX avionics system conducted its inaugural test flight aboard a Cabri helicopter this summer. The testing initiative will extend until 2022 to evaluate and enhance the system’s capabilities.

Versatile across all sectors of the helicopter industry for both new developments (linefit) and retrofit initiatives, FlytX is offered in a cockpit fitted with one to four displays. The Thales avionics system has already been chosen by Airbus Helicopters and the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to outfit the Guépard, the forthcoming light joint helicopter, as well as by VR-Technologies for the anticipated single-turbine light helicopter, VRT500.

Thales pilots and engineers are leveraging the flight evaluations of the single-screen variant of FlytX to make quick modifications aimed at enhancing the efficiency and maturity of the system prior to its incorporation into these initial client projects. The VRT500 flight evaluations scheduled for early 2022 will gain from the advancements achieved following these tests on the Cabri.

The culmination of over a decade of research, FlytX has been crafted to boost the operational efficacy of the crew by lessening their workload and simplifying their comprehension of the environment and circumstances. It showcases a crew-centric architecture, boasts native connectivity and cyber-security features, and encourages collaboration with other participants in the aviation ecosystem. The system is compact, providing a 40% decrease in weight, dimensions, and energy usage when compared to existing avionics systems.