Aviation Technology Group, Inc. has announced three significant changes to the cockpit of its Javelin aircraft: the addition of a third avionics display screen, transformation of the side stick to a center stick, and lowering of the canopy sill.

“These design improvements make the Javelin cockpit less cluttered and more pilot-friendly, while enhancing safety,” said Charlie Johnson (pictured right), president of ATG.

The new instrument panel features three 5 x 7-inch displays, with options to arrange each function on any display. In the normal mode, the primary flight display (PFD) is in the center, the multifunction display (MFD and moving map) and synoptics on the right, and the engine instruments, and crew alerting system (EICAS) are on the left. Above the PFD is a smaller display and keyboard (the multifunction control and display) through which the flight management system (FMS) is controlled. This unit also controls the head-up display (HUD), offered to Javelin owners as an option.

The primary benefit of a center stick occurs in manual reversion mode, (when the hydraulically powered flight controls are disabled or inoperative), in which case the pilot has more control authority with a center stick. Also, the center stick frees up panel space on the right and allows the pilot to use either hand to manipulate cockpit panel switches and buttons.

By lowering the canopy sill height by 4 inches, designers have improved look-down visibility and ease of access.

FMI: http://www.avtechgroup.com