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    Thomas Global Systems Pioneers New LCD Retrofit Solution for Corporate and Regional Aircraft

    April 7, 2015
    With first customer deliveries expected to commence this month, the new TFD-8601 LCD will complement Thomas Global Systems’ extensive long-term CRT display support programs.
    Related To: Thomas Global Systems

    Sydney, Australia and Irvine, California, 2015: Thomas Global Systems, a leader in the design, production and support of avionic display systems technology, launches the new LCD TFD-8601 cockpit retrofit solution for regional and corporate aircraft.  This new innovation is a true plug-and-play LCD replacement for Rockwell Collins’ EFD-86 CRT unit on a range of regional and corporate aircraft including SAAB 340, Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia, Beechcraft King Air, Dassault Falcon, Gulfstream, Hawker and Learjet.  With first customer deliveries expected to commence next month, the new TFD-8601 LCD will complement Thomas Global Systems’ extensive long-term CRT display support programs.

    Following careful analysis of aircraft trends in the business and regional sector, Thomas Global Systems developed the new TFD-8601 LCD retrofit solution to help owners, operators and lessors of regional and corporate aircraft tackle challenges of ageing CRTs, particularly with growing concerns about the lack of upgrade alternatives for legacy cockpits and component obsolescence.  This new LCD solution from Thomas Global Systems eliminates any obsolescence threat, dramatically increases system reliability and drives down maintenance costs for the life of the aircraft.  The TFD-8601 helps operators avoid expensive full cockpit upgrades – the installation process of a new TFD-8601 is truly plug-and-play and can be completed instantly.  There are no upgrades in wiring or additional training required.

    The TFD-8601 retrofit solution offers a flexible platform that can accommodate NextGen capabilities and evolving technologies. The importance of adaptability is even more fundamental with changing legislation.  The ADS-B mandate takes effect from January 1, 2020 and requires all aircraft operating in controlled airspace to be equipped with the new GPS-based identification technology.  Compliance will be much more costly for ageing aircraft using older technologies.  Thomas Global System’s new TFD-8601 retrofit solution is ADS-B ready and supports integration for this legislation.

    The new LCD retrofit units not only generate less heat than existing CRTs, which is a huge advantage for cockpit panels, but they are operational with reduced power consumption. The TFD-8601 is nearly 50% lighter than the existing module, therefore also reducing operators’ fuel costs. Aircraft owners, operators and lessors are presented with a cost effective LCD retrofit solution that drives down cockpit maintenance budgets and prolongs the life of an aircraft.  Disruption to operations and aircraft downtime are also significantly reduced.

    After warranties expire there is a sharp decline in aircraft values.  There are many factors that affect the residual value of an aircraft, one of which is maintenance history.  LCD upgrades are often recognised dollar for dollar in aircraft value tables, so not only are maintenance cost savings made, the TFD-8601 retrofit solution from Thomas Global Systems is also a step towards retaining aircraft residual values.

    Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global Systems stated “Consistent with our focus on practical innovation, we are delighted to launch our TFD-8601 LCD retrofit, which strengthens and extends Thomas Global Systems’ commitment to provide customers with innovative flight deck solutions.  The TFD-8601 LCD display complements our long-term cockpit CRT support programs. We are proud to offer operators the choice of a high performance, innovative LCD solution which is NextGen ready. Our goal is to help operators reduce costs and extend the life of their existing cockpits.”   

    An expert in the sector, Thomas Global Systems continues to invest and innovate, bringing customers around the world the most cutting-edge systems and solutions, as well as continuing to support existing products and services.  The CRT market remains a focal support area for Thomas Global Systems and the Company will continue to offer the level of support for cockpit CRT displays that it is renowned for, even when components become obsolete. Thomas Global Systems is consistently chosen by airlines, MROs, government agencies and other operators for its long-term cockpit display support programs, fast turnaround times and guaranteed performance.