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Aermacchi Taps CMC Integrated Cockpit for M-311
Aermacchi has chosen CMC Electronics Inc. of Montreal to outfit its new M-311 jet trainer with a fully integrated glass cockpit that relies on the same equipment used in the Raytheon Aircraft T-6B Texan.
Affordability was a key issue. “The M-311 uses off-the-shelf, almost commercial, avionics with a low cost. This is the philosophy of the program,” says Carmelo Cosentino, CEO of Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company. The open architecture system uses the same basic suite of equipment found on the USAF/USN T-6B model, a second evolution of the original T-6A aircraft.
Like the T-6B cockpit, the CMC Cockpit 4000 solution for Aermacchi has two FV-4000 mission computers that drive a CMC SparrowHawk head-up display and also three 5-by-7-inch multifunction displays for both the front and rear cockpits. One of the multifunction displays in the rear cockpit can be used to display what the HUD is presenting.
All functions can be controlled from one of the up-front control panels mounted in both cockpits, or the Hands On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) controls. The FV-4000 mission computers provide control and display functions plus graphics showing the navigation and mission situations. Selectable mission data include primary flight display, engine indicator data and stores management. Simulated weapons delivery capabilities and embedded Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) are also provided. The ACMI can simulate electronic warfare and has a virtual radar and digital mapping capability. It allows student pilots to train with a scoring system that helps evaluate performance.
The M-311 is a derivative of the Aermacchi S-211 basic jet trainer. Jean-Michel Comtois, vp of military aviation at CMC, says the M-311 project firmly establishes CMC’s position as a leading supplier of integrated cockpit avionics. He adds that upgrading military trainer cockpits is a key part of CMC’s military aviation business.
Comtois notes that the integrated glass cockpit provides students with exposure to advanced avionics while they are still in the basic and intermediate stages of training. This makes it easier to transition into advanced trainers and then fast jets. CMC is also providing cockpit avionics to Pilatus for the PC-21 and PC-9M.
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