In a rapidly evolving world of complex operating environments and fast-emerging threats, Thales is pioneering a new approach to aviation technology development with its innovative flying testbed. By blurring the lines between initial development and in-service improvement, Thales aims to compress timelines and deliver capabilities at a relevant speed.
From Battlefield to Factory Floor: A Continuous Feedback Loop
The traditional distinction between initial development and in-service improvement is dissolving, creating a continuous, high-speed feedback loop between the battlefield and the factory floor. While traditional in-flight testing offers realistic performance data, it can be slow to address performance issues. Virtual test environments offer speed but may miss the complexities of real-world flight.
A Helicopter That Adapts in Real Time
Thales has reimagined the in-flight testing paradigm by developing a test and demonstration helicopter that allows for capability iterations in real time. This flying testbed not only streamlines the process of identifying, fixing, and testing performance issues but also enhances customer engagement, allowing them to witness live system performance, provide real-time feedback, and potentially see the next iteration during the same test flight.
The Thales Demonstration Helicopter: A Modular and Open Platform
The Thales Demonstration Helicopter is a modified Airbus H125 light helicopter (formerly named the Eurocopter AS350 Écureuil) equipped with a custom cockpit featuring large display screens, a compact four-axis autopilot, and helmet-mounted displays. Built on a modular open-architecture backbone, the platform facilitates the integration of Thales’ own hardware and software, as well as that of its industry collaborators. A secure internet connection enables real-time monitoring and mid-flight software updates by Thales engineers on the ground.
Rapid Fly-Fix-Fly: A Game-Changer
„It gives us a rapid fly-fix-fly capability that’s very unique; there is nothing better than flying customers in the aircraft so they can see how technologies operate in real environments,” said Ryan Walters, US Army retired Special Operations Chief Helicopter Pilot and GM, Thales Flight Avionics US.
Jim Sleigh, a Thales flight test engineer and pilot, explained that an encrypted data link using a 5G commercial modem allows the air crew to communicate and share data with engineers or customers worldwide. During one demonstration, a customer suggested a change to a digital map product. An engineer was able to connect to the aircraft in real-time, modify the code, reboot the display, and implement the improvement within minutes.
Supporting Incremental Upgrades and Partnerships
This flying testbed can support incremental upgrades, security patches to Thales avionics, or the integration of entirely new products. The modular open-architecture design fosters partnerships with other companies on integrated capability packages.
Customer Feedback Matters
The ability to communicate, gather real-time feedback, and upload new code during flight is revolutionary. An Army test engineer could identify a system feature or behavior that requires adjustment, and the Thales team on the ground can immediately begin engineering a fix. Walters emphasized that this direct feedback loop allows customers to see that their input is valued and implemented.
A Tangible Investment in the US Market
The Thales Flight Demonstration Helicopter emerged from a 2020 partnership with StandardAero to integrate its compact autopilot system onto an Airbus H125 and achieve FAA flight certification. The vision to repurpose the helicopter as a flying testbed and demo platform followed the program’s completion.
Modular Integrated Avionics: The Future of Army Aviation
According to Walters, the future of Army aviation lies in modular integrated avionics. This testbed, designed to demonstrate MOSA compliance, allows Thales and its partners to collaborate and address interoperability challenges, assuring the Army that an integrated avionics package will function as planned on a military aircraft.
Sleigh stated that Thales is making a tangible investment and now has a platform to invite partners to fly and integrate their technology.
Walters emphasized that Thales aims to reduce risk and enhance safety through iterative processes and real-time feedback, ensuring that warfighters receive the best capabilities industry can provide and return home safely each night.
