View Full Version : A320/21 NEO Avionics Enhancements?
With the Airbus NEOs on approach, does anyone know whether their flightdecks will offer any enhancements relative to the current A320 series avionics set-up? Will we see any newer generation enhancements like those on the A350 - or will the cockpits mirror what we see today?
Appreciate any insight. It would be a shame IMO to not update those aged systems. They were impressive in the latter 90s! You look at something like the Bombardier C-Series and its ProLine Fusion flight deck and it looks far more capable and modern than what you see in today's A320 series.
IFixPlanes
24th Jul 2015, 05:20
The data i get so far shows no difference in the cockpit.
speedrestriction
24th Jul 2015, 08:55
If we are gong to send Airbus a shopping list can I have:
1) The Boeing wiggly worm for the ND
2) The Honeywell Primus Epic thrust chevron / speed error tape for the bird on the PFD
My understanding is Std 2.0 very much the same, Std 2.1 will have the later style display technology. (I emphasise my understanding).
Airmann
24th Jul 2015, 18:27
http://www.ainonline.com/sites/default/files/uploads/a320neo_first_flight_pilot_preparation3.jpg
There will of course be software updates. But I suppose those will appear on all 320s. The only difference is the addition of a HUD. But then those can quite easily be added onto older 320s as well.
I think Airbus saw no real reason to change the setup of the cockpit. Adds extra cost and reduces commonality with the 320 CEO. In addition it might not have been feasible given the design of the cockpit, and may have required a redesign, which Airbus were not prepared to spend on.
Metro man
25th Jul 2015, 03:27
I hope they upgrade the processors, I had to explain to a young F/O recently that the aircraft wasn't a smart phone. His fingers were a blur as he tried to enter selections on the FCU and then wondered why the aircraft wasn't doing what he wanted.
The newer F/Os can't remember VHS and Atari video games and don't understand that the A320 was designed in this era.
A real shame if not much is updated. Boeing 737 Max will offer a 787-style presentation with a much better PFD. All of which also enhances safety. Too bad Airbus cannot share some of the enhancements found on the A350 which have already been developed and vetted...
My understanding is that Std 2.1 will have A350 style flight deck enhancements.
belowMDA
26th Jul 2015, 08:24
I had heard the 350 displays were going to be an option. Does anyone know from when they will be available? It doesn't sound like it will be at NEO service entry.
sierra_mike
26th Jul 2015, 13:49
regarding airmann's pic: what kind of panel is it just below the third occupants ACP / to the right of the fuel and fire protection panels?
FlyingStone
26th Jul 2015, 16:04
A real shame if not much is updated. Boeing 737 Max will offer a 787-style presentation with a much better PFD. All of which also enhances safety.
Try to take a deep look at the picture and tell us how 737 Max is more advanced than A320neo with its modern flap indicator or six-pack "ECAM-like" warning system...
https://worldairlinenews.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/boeing-737-max-cockpit-boeinglr.jpg
fruitloop
27th Jul 2015, 23:12
Now there are a few familiar faces !!
FS,
It looks a lot more modern than the current 737NG set-up. Finally the use of colour on displays. Sure, the Max cockpit is not perfect, but it does incorporate several enhancements found in the 787 (compare to your link):
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/2012_q1/3/img/AERO_2012q1-3_fig2.jpg
Your 737 Max cockpit link:
https://worldairlinenews.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/boeing-737-max-cockpit-boeinglr.jpg
Denti
29th Jul 2015, 02:53
Even the current NG cockpit avionics are more up to date than the A320 ones. That said, both do their job and one learns to live with miniscule screens, only one layer of information at a time, no vertical situation display and no navigation performance scales to name just a few things.
Of course, the overhead panel is archaic and the lack of an EICAS is really weird, but apparently we have to thank boeings biggest 737 customer for that.
Dream Land
29th Jul 2015, 05:02
NG more modern, that's a laugh, single engine auto land? Low level level off? And then there's the overhead. :ugh:
FlyingStone
29th Jul 2015, 08:24
Even the current NG cockpit avionics are more up to date than the A320 ones. That said, both do their job and one learns to live with miniscule screens, only one layer of information at a time, no vertical situation display and no navigation performance scales to name just a few things.
Auto-tune for ILS, manually tuning VOR/ADF by only typing navaid identifier, secondary flightplan (leaving aside U11). Add to that fully managed approach (IAN), SPD INTV, Cat IIIb, etc. - all of which are expensive customer options with Boeing.
And of course, engine failure, AP in at 100ft and Cat IIIa autoland with flaps full without any customer options.
That being said, I do miss the banana and ability to see temporary flightplan (e.g. before executing direct to) on both NDs though.
Of course, the overhead panel is archaic and the lack of an EICAS is really weird, but apparently we have to thank boeings biggest 737 customer for that.
This (http://theflyingengineer.com/flightdeck/boeings-max-southwests-737/) article was a total surprise to me. I couldn't believe this could be true, especially with everybody boasting at USA's practical approach to aviation.
Good think they are proud and innovative (http://www.blogsouthwest.com/destination-rnp/) by enabling something that was standard on 737 since beginning of 80's.