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AEL delivers Brazilian Gripen´s WAD prototype “Model C” to Saab
The conclusion of the third stage of development will allow Saab to continue the project, resulting in the preparation and the integration of the first Brazilian aircraft
Porto Alegre, May 9th 2018 – AEL Sistemas announces the delivery to Saab of the “Model C” prototype of the Wide Area Display (WAD) widescreen display for the Brazilian Gripen E/F, a state-of-the-art equipment that meets the requirements of the Brazilian Air Force´s F-X2 program with Saab.
The Model C prototype is the result of WAD’s third stage of development and its delivery on schedule reinforces AEL´s commitment to the Gripen program. It is a prototype with mechanics, hardware and software that will be used in the development and qualification tests of the equipment for future use of the aircraft during flight mode. The conclusion of this activity will allow Saab to continue the development schedule, as well as the integration of the equipment with other aircraft systems, resulting in the flight of the first Brazilian Gripen.
Since the delivery of the Model B prototype, in the second half of 2017, the following developments and improvements were made in Model C: development of a new graphics card to increase the processing capacity and the performance of image presentation; executionof environmental qualification tests required for the flight, such as shaker and temperature (burn-in)tests; consolidation of final hardware configuration; enhancement of system maturity and reliability; and the aggregation of various software functionalities.
"The delivery of Model C prototype represents AEL´s commitment to technology absorption in the development of WAD for the next generation of Brazilian fighters. We deliver the prototype on schedule, enabling the continuity of Saab´s engineers´ activities towards the final integration of the aircraft”, says Sergio Horta, president of AEL Sistemas."It is important to point out that this delivery is the result of continuous and promising cooperation between AEL and Saab”, he adds.
The WAD is an intelligent system with a high-resolution widescreen (19 x 8 in), which allows displaying a continuous and redundant image in all its extension, and is 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 Gripen programme
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 Brazilian Gripen 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 delivered the model B and now, finalizes the delivery of the model C.
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.
Press office AEL
Milena Cosmo
+55 21 2217-6582
milena.cosmo@fsb.com.br
Priscilla Caetano
+55 21 2217-6580
priscilla.caetano@fsb.com.br
www.ael.com.br
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