Boeing signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Elbit Systems of America to support the development of advanced avionics capabilities in Brazil.
Elbit will provide the Large Area Display system that will be part of an advanced cockpit system on Boeing fighter aircraft, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F-15 family of aircraft, including the Silent Eagle. Also, Elbit has committed to investing in the development of advanced cockpit avionics capabilities at its subsidiary in Brazil, AEL Sistemas S.A. of Porto Alegre.
"Boeing and its Tier 1 supplier-partners are committed to bringing key technologies to Brazil," said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. "Through the projects identified for AEL Sistemas, Boeing and Elbit support Brazil’s objective of developing the aerospace capabilities of local industry for the sustainment of its current and future military aircraft fleet. At the same time, we’re focused on building long-lasting opportunities for Brazilian industry in the development and production of key technologies as Boeing continues to enhance its family of tactical fighter aircraft to meet the emerging needs of our customers around the globe."
The MOU outlines opportunities for AEL Sistemas to participate in the design, development, production and support of some Large Area Display software and hardware. The knowledge and capabilities gained from this work also will support Elbit and AEL Sistemas’ efforts to establish an Advanced Cockpit Technology Center of Excellence in Brazil, which will position AEL Sistemas to expand its advanced cockpit avionics market reach to other fixed-wing platforms, as well as rotorcraft.
Elbit’s 11-inch by 19-inch Large Area Display is the centerpiece of Boeing’s Advanced Cockpit System, an upgrade common to the F/A-18 and F-15 platforms. The Advanced Cockpit System will improve the way the pilot interacts with the aircraft and will enable growth to next-generation visual cueing, improving situational awareness and increasing aircraft effectiveness, according to Boeing.