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AEL delivers WAD prototypes ´Model B´ as part of the Brazilian program for Gripen
Porto Alegre, September 15, 2017– AELSistemas (AEL) delivered to Saab, successfully and on schedule, the first "Model B" prototype of the Wide Area Display (WAD) unit for the Brazilian Gripen. It is a prototype with final mechanics and hardware for laboratory, simulator and aircraft (on ground use), which will enable Saab to continue the software and system development activities.
An extensive in-flight testing campaign will also be carried out with the future Model C prototype, expected to be delivered in 2018, in close cooperation between AEL and Saab, in Linköping, Sweden.
"We are proud to deliver the prototypes on time and with quality, allowing Saab engineers to move forward in the integration work for the aircraft. This demonstrates AEL´s commitment to Saab and to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in order to provide the next generation of cockpit for the next generation of fighter jets", says Sérgio Horta, president of AEL.
"This is a very important step in the development of Gripen for Brazil. It demonstrates a very effective cooperation between AEL and Saab and it is a successful step for the industrial cooperation between the Brazilian industry and Saab in the Gripen program", says Mikael Franzén, head of business unit Gripen Brazil, Saab business area Aeronautics.
The WAD is a unique and intelligent system with large-screen (19 x 8 in), redundant and multipurpose, in color and of high-resolution. It has a continuous image display system capable of receiving multifunctional key inputs, touchscreen or external interfaces. It is the main source of all flight information and mission in the cockpit.
AEL in the Gripenprogramme
In February 2015, Saab announced the selection of AEL as the new supplier in Brazil. Saab and AEL also signed a contract for the transfer of technology. AEL was selected to provide the Wide Area Display (WAD), the Head-Up Display (HUD) and the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), which will be integrated into the Gripen NG for Brazil as part of the F-X2 contract.
The WAD development program began in January 2015. The new avionics system program for the aircraft is planned to run over five years and includes the development, integration and production work, to be held in Porto Alegre (RS), at AEL’s headquarters. The WAD integration to the aircraft will be executed by Saab and Embraer, with AEL´s support.
On September 2, 2015, AEL delivered to Saab, also on schedule, the first "Model A" prototypes of the WAD units for the Brazilian Gripen. In May 2016, AEL announced the successful delivery of the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) application for the WAD, a preliminary version of the software that demonstrates Saab´s HMI concepts for the future WAD. In 2017, following the development schedule of Saab, AEL is delivering the model B.
As part of the WAD program, an intense technology transfer to AEL is ongoing, allowing the company to develop previously non-existent competencies and putting it at the forefront of technology in panoramic displays. An additional scope has occurred in the development of the Human Machine Interface (HMI) for advanced fighter jets, along with the ability to do the maintenance of avionics.
About AEL Sistemas
AEL Sistemas is a Brazilian company, located in Porto Alegre, which for 35 years has been dedicated to the design, development, manufacture, maintenance and logistic support of advanced electronic systems, focusing on the aerospace, defense and public safety markets. The company is able to supply, design and develop avionics, optronics, communication systems, spatial systems, ARPs and simulators. AEL participates in strategic projects of the Brazilian Armed Forces, such as the Gripen, KC-390, Guarani and SISFRON. Through advanced technologies and knowledge, modern infrastructure and systematic training, AEL produces state-of-the-art, reliable and innovative solutions, and the quality of its products and services is internationally recognized.
About Saab
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defence and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers´ changing needs.