Elbit confirmed as large-area display cockpit supplier for Boeing-Saab T-X trainer

Elbit Systems of America has confirmed that it is providing the large-area display (LAD) cockpit and other items for the Boeing-Saab T-X trainer.

A conceptual image of the Elbit Systems large-area display as fitted to the Boeing-Saab T-X trainer. (Elbit Systems)

The announcement on 16 September notes that the US-based subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems will provide the LAD to be fitted in the front and rear cockpits, datalinks, and other embedded training capabilities.

“Elbit Systems of America will provide a number of key components including: large-area displays, engine fuel indicators, upfront control panels, and head-up displays and their associated line replaceable units. In addition, the company will supply air and ground datalinks enabling the T-X’s onboard virtual avionics and the Integrated Live/Virtual/Constructive capability. This capability simulates the advanced avionics, sensors and weapons utilised by fifth-generation fighter aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35, enabling T-X pilots to virtually operate those systems while flying the lower cost-to-operate T-X aircraft,” Elbit said in a statement.

Speaking to Jane’s and other defence media in June, Boeing’s Ted Torgerson, programme head for the T-X Advanced Pilot Training Program (ATP), noted that the LAD is the same as that developed for the company’s Advanced Eagle and Super Hornet Block 3 combat aircraft.

“We have worked collaboratively with our friends on the F-15 and F/A-18 on the [Advanced Cockpit System] ACS. They led the charge to start development, and we then picked it up and were the first to fly the cockpit,” he said, referring to the maiden flight of the first of two Projection Representative Jets (PRJs) in December 2016.