Thales is central to development of the Superjet 100 (SSJ) flightdeck, from both an equipment and training perspective. The French-headquartered avionics and simulation specialist signed up to become a risk-sharing partner on the SSJ programme in 2005, with responsibility for supplying and integrating the aircraft's cockpit avionics. The initial $120 million contract was followed by a $33 million deal with Thales Services in the UK to supply and support training equipment for the SSJ.
Thales is the integrator and supplier of the SSJ's avionics suite, developed from its Top Deck avionics package. The deal also covers the construction of engineering test rigs in Toulouse and Moscow, and delivery of avionics for four SSJ prototypes. The Thales Services contract will see it supply three training suites consisting of a full-flight simulator and a "formation system trainer". The first simulator will enter service with interim Level C approval in early August 2008 at a training facility being set up at Vnukovo airport in Moscow.
Source: Flight International
