As it marks the hand-over of the 100th enhanced vision system (EVS) head-up display to Gulfstream, with partner Honeywell, Marconi Avionics is already looking forward to the next generation of EVS/HUD systems for business and commercial aircraft. To date all Marconi HUDs have been combined stroke/raster displays, but the company is now working on an enhanced EVS using a full raster system. The EVS system draws on technology Marconi developed for its F-16 HUD systems. To date the company has sold over 11,000 HUDs on 50 different platforms -- including large airliners.

In addition to pushing its technology forward, the company is pushing at the market to convince more users that adding a HUD system will change the way they operate. "The technology is easily mature enough and is fast becoming the automatic choice for business aircraft," Marconi Avionics Civil HUD project manager Tony Rogers, said at the Marconi Avionics stand (#3062) here. "A HUD will open up new airfields allowing you to get into new places, and get out of them again. The crucial points are that not only can you do more with a HUD, but you can do what you're doing now much more safely."

"Marconi has been building HUDs for 35 years," said business development manager John Aplin. "What we don't know about the technology isn't worth knowing. What we are stressing now is our absolute commitment to the civil market."

After its success with Gulfstream, Marconi Avionics is looking at other business aircraft applications -- with the Bombardier Global Express near the top of the list. Marconi is even happy to integrate their EVS on aircraft like the Dassault Falcon, which offers a comparable, competing system.

"Our system is a universal one," said Rogers. "We have worked with Honeywell to make sure the only thing you have to change to fit it into a new aircraft is the mounting plate. Any aircraft that can physically accommodate the HUD can use it -- and we will talk to anyone."

Marconi Avionics is one of the four major companies that make up the UK's Marconi Electronic Systems. This parent company is now the subject of a major acquisition by British Aerospace, which is expected to be completed in about a month's time.