Thomas Global Systems’ TFD-4100 drop-in CRT-to-LCD flight display upgrade for Collins Aerospace Pro Line 4 flight decks has received STC approval from the FAA for Bombardier Challenger 604, Gulfstream G100/G200, Dassault Falcon 2000/2000EX/50EX and Saab 2000 aircraft. Owners and operators can now efficiently eliminate Pro Line 4 EFD-4077 CRT display obsolescence risk and benefit from the latest high-performance LCD technology, without the need for an expensive full cockpit retrofit and extensive aircraft downtime.

“FAA certification of the TFD-4100 display solution is a key advance in Thomas Global Systems’ commitment to the long-term support of Pro Line 4 flight decks,” says David Barnes, senior vice president and general manager of avionics and mission electronics. “With EFD-4077 production and OEM support coming to an end, business jet and regional customers with the TFD-4100 display solution can continue operating their current Pro Line 4 configuration with improved reliability and efficiency, and without impacting flight crew operations.”

Thomas Global Systems has worked closely with the Saab 2000 and business jet community to develop and certify the TFD-4100 as a practical and efficient solution that is aligned with the needs of Pro Line 4 avionics users.

John Holland, vice president and general manager of Trimec Aviation, a major MRO supporting a wide range of business aircraft including Gulfstream G100s, G200s, Falcon 2000 and Challenger 604s, says: “We welcome FAA certification of the TFD-4100 LCD display. Owners and operators of Pro Line 4 avionics have been calling out for this practical, drop-in solution to EFD-4077 CRT display obsolescence. Our industry appreciates that Thomas Global Systems has stepped forward to extend the life of the proven and capable Pro Line 4 system through the development of the TFD-4100 LCD upgrade. Trimec Aviation looks forward to working together with Thomas Global Systems to deploy the TFD-4100 upgrade to our customers.”

Stuart Klaskin, chief executive officer and principal at Jetstream Aviation Capital, an aircraft lessor specialising in commercially operated regional turboprop aircraft and the largest global owner of Saab aircraft, says: “Certification of Thomas Global's TFD-4100 is important to the future of our Saab 2000 fleet. The TFD-4100 resolves the critical obsolescence of our EFD-4077 CRT displays and provides us with the benefits of modern LCD technology. The TFD-4100 allows us to get the most from our Collins Pro Line 4 flight deck investment, without major modifications to our flight decks, aircraft downtime or crew retraining. We are excited to be introducing the TFD-4100 to our fleet.”

FAA STC approval for the TFD-4100 follows certification of the TFD-4000 drop-in LCD flight display upgrade for MHI CRJ series aircraft. Additional TFD-4000/4100 certifications, including Transport Canada Civil Aviation and EASA are targeted by the end of the year.

The TFD-4100 replaces the EFD-4077’s highest failure rate components and incorporates high-performance AMLCD technology with a proven analogue-to-digital (A-D) software core design. Integrating seamlessly into the existing Pro Line 4 architecture and built-in test equipment (BITE), the TFD-4100 is interchangeable and intermixable with legacy EFD-4077 CRT displays without impacting OEM display software Service Bulletins.

The TFD-4100 leverages Thomas Global Systems' proven technology currently operating across Boeing 767/757/737-C, MHI CRJ series, ATR 42/72, Dash 8, Saab 340, EMB120 and other regional and business airframes.