21 January 2003

Ahead of schedule, Thales and Smiths deliver

Flight Management development software for A330/A340 family

21 January 2003 - Grand Rapids, MI - On December 10th, 2002, Airbus accepted delivery of the first REV2 development test software load (known as L4A), kicking off the formal REV2 validation process. The delivery was ahead of schedule, bolstering the credibility of the current REV2 development plan targeting certification in the first quarter of 2004.

While the REV1 FMS standard for the A320 family is making a smooth entry into service at Alitalia and Frontier Airlines, showing thus its software stability, development of the REV2 FMS standard for A330/A340 family is fully on track.

In addition to REV1 functions already certified, L4A includes A330/A340 compatibility, Polar Area Navigation, and automatic dependent surveillance (ADS) for FANS.

This achievement reflects the customer's satisfaction with the work and quality delivered by teams from partners Thales Avionics and Smiths Aerospace. Thales and Smiths have successfully developed the New FM by building on the strengths of each team partner. Smiths is renowned for its flight management expertise, time proven with the 737 FMS. Thales Avionics draws on its extensive experience of Airbus aircraft systems, architecture, and man-machine interface, acquired during the development of most key systems fitted on Airbus aircraft.

The New FM is a highly attractive alternative for Airbus operators, boasting a solid market share. It introduces a new LCD Multipurpose Control Display Unit (MCDU), the largest navigation database capacity available on Airbus aircraft (5 mega bytes), superior flight planning flexibility (multi revision temporary flight plan, undo function, improved DIR TO...), and upgraded display functionality: "what you see is what you fly".