A new Russian company called Kronshtadt is working on supplying electronic cockpit instruments, navigation systems and simulators for a number of Russian combat aircraft.
At the show Kronshtadt was showing a Mil Mi-17 helicopter cockpit with liquid-crystal displays and moving digital maps coupled with a 120í large screen visualisation system.
Elements of the new cockpit are being evaluated in flight tests onboard a Mil/Kazan Mi-17 helicopter, and the full configuration digital version will begin flight tests early next year. "We are confident this programme will be successful", says Kazan Helicopters chief engineer Igor Bugakov. The upgraded helicopter will be offered in a Greek Army competition.
Kronshtadt uses a technology base inherited from parent company Transas, which owns 40% of its shares. Other shareholders are Russia's arms sales agency Rosvoorouzhenie (30%) and the Euro-finance bank. Transas has been successful in the maritime market having supplied its satellite navigation systems with digital map database and simulators to over 20 countries, including the USA and France.
It uses production facilities in St.Petersburg and Moscow and sources many of its electronic components from outside Russia.. The company's digital map/satellite navigation GPS-GLONASS system, designated ABRIS, has received the first, and so far only, airworthiness certificate of its class from the Russian authorities.
Kronshtadt is also preparing proposals to install its cockpit equipment onboard the Kamov Ka-52K, which is going to be offered to South Korea.
Source: Flight International
