Thomas Global Systems and Regional Express unveil new LCD avionic display units

Sydney, Australia, based Regional Express is the first regional operator to reap the benefits of new drop-in LCD cockpit retrofit solution. Thomas Global Systems and Regional Express (Rex) announced the successful first deliveries of the LCD TFD-8601 cockpit display, which is designed to replace traditional cockpit CRT primary flight displays on corporate and regional aircraft.Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global Systems said, “The TFD-8601 LCD is a plug-and-play replacement for legacy CRT units and provides the aircraft with a flexible platform that canaccommodate NextGen capabilities. The TFD-8601 is designed to drive down maintenance costs and extend cockpit life, allowing operators to get the most out of their existing cockpit. The TFD-8601 received its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the SAAB 340 on April 17, 2015.” “This innovative cockpit solution is a replacement for the Rockwell Collins EFD-86 CRT unit, which is used on a range of regional and corporate aircraft including SAAB 340, Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia,Beechcraft King Air, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker and Learjet. It is 50% lighter than thecomparable CRT display, with significantly higher reliability and lower power consumption.” Rex’s General Manager of Engineering, Dale Hall, said that the system is the result of Rex’s search for an avionics display system that could respond to the regulatory and technological challenges over the next decade.