StandardAero and Thales have signed a long-term partnership agreement for the certification and distribution of the Thales TopMax wearable Head-Up Display (HUD) for use in business aircraft.

TopMax is an industry first, resulting from Thales' experience in military Helmet Mounted Display Systems (HMDS) and civilian Head-Up Display. It is claimed to be the only wearable HUD system whose ergonomics and functionalities are specifically adapted to the needs of civil pilots, whose missions are longer and who therefore need a lightweight wearable HUD. At a glance, pilots with TopMax have instant and intuitive access to critical flight information for navigation and safety. The TopMax Synthetic Vision System (SVS) provides a full color, unlimited 360° field-of-regard, that also allows for off-axis symbology including cross wind, synthetic runway, extended navigational centerline and 3D traffic display for advanced situational awareness and safety.

Utilising its in-house Organisational Delegation Authorisation (ODA), StandardAero anticipates the approval of several supplemental type certificates (STCs) for TopMax systems in multiple business aircraft. Once certified, Thales and StandardAero will collaborate in delivering to market this new technology that is easily installed for minimal aircraft downtime.

“Thanks to this partnership, business jet operators now have access to a worldwide network and a one-stop shop to have Thales TopMax installed on their aircraft,” says StandardAero business aviation president Marc Drobny.

“Thales TopMax will revolutionise how pilots fly business aircraft,” adds Thales head of avionics in North America Michel Grenier. “The system will offer identical operational benefits for both take off and landing as current Head-Up Displays, along with numerous other operational capabilities.”

Top Max offers a combination of operational, technical and life cycle cost benefits for aircraft owners and operators. For pilots, the lightweight design and simplicity of use make it an ideal system for advanced avionics interfacing.

It also provides benefits to pilots, including operational credits for manual eyes-out CAT II landing; ILS special authorisation CAT I (SA CAT I) / Lower than standard CAT I (LTS CAT I); low visibility for take-off (LVTO); and enhanced flight vision system (EFVS).