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FEATURE AvIATION TECHNOLOGY

Coming of Age

Head-up displays are now increasingly common on commercial and business aircraft while
the technology for head-worn displays is rapidly maturing
By Atul Chandra

HEAD-UP DISPLAYS (HUD) ARE FINDING While the HUD remains an optional aircraft in linefit and retrofit,” Jean-Noel
increasing acceptance amongst commercial equipment for many airlines around the world, Stock, Thales Country Director Singapore
airlines and business jet operators as a it is now an integral part of the cockpit design tells Asian Airlines & Aerospace. He adds,
major situational awareness contributor. for new-generation jetliners and business “The installation of HUDs will also be a
An installed HUD system on an aircraft jets. The Civil Aviation Administration of required enabler for future Enhanced Vision
provides the pilots greater visibility China (CAAC), in 2012 made it mandatory for System (EVS) on board of Airbus aircraft.”
throughout all phases of flight, especially all Chinese airlines to have HUDs fitted on Over the next 10 years, the Asia Pacific
take-off and landing. It provides pilots with their aircraft. The CAAC’s “Head up Display region will be one of the growth drivers for
essential, intuitive and immediate trajectory Application Roadmap” in 2012 made Head Up HUD technology for commercial jetliners.
information through symbols presented on Displays (HUD) a priority in order to improve HUDs are also now commonplace on the
top of the pilot’s actual external view. This the safety and efficiency of its airlines. In this latest large-cabin business or very light
allows for smoother transition as pilots roadmap, the CAAC makes the installation of business jets, as they allow greater access to
switch between “eyes in” and “eyes out” HUDs a requirement for all Chinese airlines. airfields that would be otherwise inaccessible
operation. Airlines which fit HUD systems on This is to improve operational minima and to them. Along with the increased use of
their aircraft could also have the possibility air traffic flow at Chinese airports due to satellite based digital technologies, HUDs
of obtaining operational benefits such the traffic growth. “Within the next 2 years, will be instrumental in making air travel
as reduced minima on suitably equipped all aircraft will have to be fitted with HUDs, more efficient and comfortable. One of the
runways. creating a potential market of around 1000 leaders in HUD systems is Thales, which also

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