Visualization expert Barco announces that it has signed a contract with Swiss aircraft builder Pilatus. Under the agreement, Barco will deliver its newly designed MFD-2068 Multi-Function Displays and CHDD-268 Cockpit Head-Down Displays to be installed in the tandem cockpit of the PC-21 trainer turboprop aircraft. Deliveries of the first series will commence in the course of 2013. As part of the framework agreement, Barco expects follow-up orders of circa 100 aircraft ship-sets within the next few years.

The granting of this contract follows a long-term partnership between Barco and Swiss aircraft constructor Pilatus. Pilatus's PC-21 aircraft, which was launched in 2002 as the first trainer to combine near-jet performance with turboprop economics, features a unique glass tandem cockpit equipped with six Barco displays (four CHDD 6.8 and two MFD 6.8), used as primary flight and navigation displays. New deliveries of the PC-21 turboprop will be equipped with two of Barco's newly designed MDF-2068 displays and four CHDD-268 display units.

Good optical performance

Pilatus selected the Barco solution for its outstanding technical quality, most importantly the good optical performance: all Barco cockpit displays are exceptionally bright, which is crucial in a canopy cockpit. The displays now come with Barco's unique MOSArt suite, which provides Pilatus and its customers with the freedom to integrate their own applications on the Barco platform. Barco will leverage MOSArt so that existing applications can be ported to the upgraded platform easily. Besides quality and Barco's open modular software, the good Return on Investment (ROI) and balanced Total Cost of Ownership were key reasons for Pilatus to reconfirm its trust in Barco.

Long-term partnership

Equally crucial in the decision-making process was the close partnership between Barco and Pilatus. Barco has been investing in the PC-21 program and has worked closely with Pilatus engineers to develop the best cockpit solutions for years. "To prepare pilot trainees for their challenging job we have to provide excellent, flexible training systems. So Pilatus expanded the design and performance envelope to come up with the PC-21 turboprop trainer. Today, ten years after its maiden flight, we want to keep our leading edge. Barco helps us attain the high quality we need to do so," said Markus Bucher, Chief Operation Officer, Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

"We are glad that Pilatus continues to have faith in Barco and look forward to continue supporting the PC-21 program, both as an investment partner as well as a product supplier," concluded Kristof Vierin, Vice-President Sales Aerospace.