Rockwell Collins will supply touchscreen flight displays for the Boeing 777X cockpit, ushering the technology into scheduled commercial aviation when the 777-9 enters service in 2020.
“We applaud Boeing for taking the bold step to embrace this next evolution in flight deck technology,” says Kent Statler, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Rockwell Collins.
Boeing announced in July that the re-engined and re-winged 777X family would be the first airliner to feature touchscreen displays for the pilots.
The move follows the introduction of touchscreen displays in general aviation and business jet cockpits, including in Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600 aircraft.
The 777X cockpit will share a similar lay-out to the 787 family with five displays, but the former will include multi-touch format screens, allowing both pilots to touch the same screen simultaneously, Collins says.
Resistive technology, requiring a firm touch, is used to avoid making accident commands, while a wrap-around bezel offers a means for pilots to brace their fingers during turbulence, Collins adds.
By making the screens touch-sensitive, Boeing is able to remove the cursor control device in the 777X cockpit, which functions like a touchpad or mouse on a personal computer.
Collins is now the display supplier for all of Boeing’s recent aircraft projects, including the 777X, 787, 737 Max and 747-8.
