MD Helicopters, Inc. has partnered with Universal Avionics in a two-year program to design and build a Next Generation (NextGen) flight deck for the MD Explorer helicopter. The NextGen flight deck was unveiled at the 2013 Heli-Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The NextGen multipurpose twin-engine helicopter features a single-pilot IFR-capable flight deck with display graphics that are video and mission display capable. The Primary Flight Display (PFD) provides all primary flight parameters, primary engine/rotor data and safety critical annunciators. The Multi-Function Display / Engine Indicating and Crew-Alerting System (MFD / EICAS) replaces the current IIDS and radar displays with synoptic displays. Synthetic vision, enhanced moving maps, system displays, electronic charts, checklists and innovative user faces are included in the baseline. A point and click display using a cyclic-mounted cursor slew switch enables the pilot to operate the system while maintaining visual contact with the flight instruments. This feature is designed to keep “hands-on, head-up” for increased visual awareness. Single- and dual-pilot cockpit configurations will be supported for forward-fit and retrofit installation.

“Universal is excited to enter into this partnership with MD Helicopters,” said Dan Reida, Universal's Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Support. “We look forward to providing MD with the latest in avionics technology that affords enhancements to safety, reductions in operational costs and addresses current and future requirements,” he added. “This program reinforces Universal's commitment to the Rotorcraft market.”