Thales selected by US helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky to supply TopDeck avionics suite
Thales announced today that its TopDeck(r) family of avionics suites has been selected by US based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to equip its new and upcoming S76D civil helicopter.
With this selection, Thales will become integrator and avionics supplier of the flight deck aboard one of the most advanced civil helicopters in the world. The first delivery of the S76D is planned for 2008.
This selection marks the first time that Thales has been selected to supply a line fit full glass cockpit by an American based helicopter manufacturer. This gives Thales a significant new position from which to further grow and develop in both the civil and military helicopter markets in the USA.
The result of nearly a year of fierce competition between Thales and other leading avionics suppliers, this selection involved close cooperation with Sikorsky\\\\\\\'s customers. Through unique Customer Advisory Councils, held in the USA early this year, customers were able to give direct input regarding their requirements and specifications.
TopDeck(r) is an integrated modular avionics suite offering glass cockpit based on the latest technology. The TopDeck(r) avionics suite has been designed for helicopters as a complete and integrated package providing all the functions required for glass cockpit and AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) operations with a high level of safety.
"I\\\\\\\'m absolutely delighted at this selection. I look forward to a long and successful relationship with Sikorsky. This is a significant step forward in our ambitions in the US marketplace and the recognition that currently places Thales as the most competitive helicopter avionics supplier in the marketplace," said Phil Naybour, Helicopter Solutions Vice President and General Manager.
About Thales
Thales is an international electronics and systems group, serving defense, aerospace, services and security markets. The group employs 60,000 people worldwide and generated revenues of 10.3 billion in 2004.
