Story ID: 469
VR-Tech Picks Thales FlytX Avionics Suite
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: A single-touchscreen avionics system, the Thales FlytX suite, will be installed in the Russian VRT500 single-engine helicopter. 
Word Count: 279
Russian Helicopters subsidiary VR-Technologies has selected the Thales FlytX avionics system for its VRT500 light single. For this helicopter, FlytX will feature a single 15-inch touchscreen display, split into two halves with a primary flight display (PFD) on the right and multifunction display (MFD) on the left. Avidyne’s touchscreen IFD540 GPS navigator provides navcom functions, and the new Thales Compact Autopilot is also part of the suite.

A unique feature of FlytX is that it can be connected via hardwire to any tablet or smartphone, including Apple iOS, Android, or Windows, and apps that run on those devices are mirrored on the MFD side of the FlytX display. The connection’s universal adaptor feature is highly secure and ensures that connected devices are properly registered. With a tablet connected, the pilot can place the tablet in a pocket and actuate the tablet app on the MFD side of the touchscreen, eliminating the need to mount the tablet or attach it to a knee.

The PFD side of the display has limited touchscreen features, mostly changing settings such as baro, minimums, and altitude selection. On the MFD side, the pilot can manipulate anything on the screen using normal multitouch gestures.

This week at Heli-Expo, Thales (Booth 227) is displaying its new Alexia instructor station, which allows simulator instructors easier setup of flight scenarios and variables, including adding sling loads to a student’s helicopter, other airborne traffic, and obstacles. Thales is also highlighting its new Human Performance Monitoring system, which uses eye-tracking to measure student performance in the simulator to provide the instructor more information during training and for more beneficial debriefing.