Collins Aerospace Partners with Thomas Global Systems for Long-Term Pro Line 4 Display Support
In a move aimed at enhancing the longevity and reliability of legacy avionics systems, Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, has teamed up with Thomas Global Systems to ensure ongoing product support for the Pro Line 4 Electronic Flight Displays (EFD). This new partnership is set to provide a dependable, long-term solution for customers relying on Pro Line 4 systems across the globe. Under the terms of a newly established supply agreement, Collins will shift the responsibility for maintenance and repair of the EFD-4076 and EFD-4077 display units to Thomas Global Systems.
This collaboration is particularly important in light of the growing challenges of obsolescence faced by avionics technologies. As cathode ray tube (CRT)-based displays become increasingly outdated, Thomas Global Systems offers a viable solution in the form of their advanced TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 replacement units. These new liquid crystal display (LCD) units will be made available to Collins’ customers, addressing the challenges of CRT obsolescence while providing significant weight reductions and enhanced reliability for operators.
“We are pleased to be working together with Collins to provide dependable long-term support for these Pro Line 4 display products,” said Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global Systems. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to extending the life of legacy avionics systems and delivering exceptional service. We are dedicated to offering reliable and innovative solutions that ensure continued operational success for our partners in the aerospace industry.”
For Collins Aerospace, this partnership marks a critical step in providing long-term support for Pro Line 4 operators who rely on these legacy systems for their operations. While Collins continues to work with customers on other feature-based upgrades, the new agreement with Thomas Global Systems offers Pro Line 4 operators an important option for continued support of legacy displays.
Understanding the Pro Line 4 Display Product Lines
Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line 4 avionics system, equipped with the EFD series of Electronic Flight Displays, has been widely used across various regional and business jet platforms. This system, which provides critical flight data and control functions to pilots, has become a trusted component in a variety of aircraft, including the MHIRJ CRJ Series regional jets, Saab 2000 regional turboprops, and several business jets such as the Bombardier Challenger 604, Gulfstream G100/G200, and Dassault Falcon 2000/2000EX/50EX.
The Pro Line 4 system’s reliance on CRT technology, however, has presented challenges due to the natural obsolescence of CRT-based systems. The transition to LCD displays, like the TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 units developed by Thomas Global Systems, provides a more sustainable solution for aircraft operators. The TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 LCD upgrades were designed as direct replacements for the EFD-4076 and EFD-4077 CRT displays, allowing for seamless integration and compatibility with existing Pro Line 4 avionics systems.
The upgrade to LCD technology offers several distinct advantages. LCD displays are known for their superior image quality, lower power consumption, and longer lifespan compared to CRT displays. Additionally, LCD technology helps reduce the weight of the avionics system, which can result in operational cost savings and improved overall aircraft performance. Moreover, LCD displays provide enhanced reliability in varying flight conditions, ensuring that pilots can rely on their flight data in even the most demanding environments.
A Pathway for Pro Line 4 Operators
The collaboration between Collins Aerospace and Thomas Global Systems offers a clear path for Pro Line 4 operators seeking to continue using their legacy displays. As avionics technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for operators to ensure that their existing systems remain operational and compliant with the latest industry standards. This partnership provides a cost-effective and reliable solution for customers who may not be ready to completely replace their avionics systems but still require ongoing support and upgrades for their Pro Line 4 displays.
While Collins Aerospace is continuing to provide other avionics upgrades for Pro Line 4 customers, the focus of this partnership with Thomas Global Systems is on ensuring the continued functionality and support of the Pro Line 4 display units. This includes maintenance, repair, and replacement of the EFD-4076 and EFD-4077 displays, which are critical components in the avionics suite of many regional and business jets.
“Collins has long been a leader in the development of avionics solutions, and we’re proud to extend the life of the Pro Line 4 system by offering this support in collaboration with Thomas Global Systems,” said a representative from Collins Aerospace. “Through this partnership, we are ensuring that Pro Line 4 operators have a reliable and efficient path forward for maintaining their existing systems while also benefiting from the advanced technology offered by the TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 replacement units.”
The decision to transfer maintenance and repair responsibilities to Thomas Global Systems underscores Collins Aerospace’s commitment to ensuring that Pro Line 4 operators can continue to operate their aircraft with minimal disruption. By relying on Thomas Global’s proven track record of delivering high-quality avionics solutions, Collins Aerospace is providing customers with a trusted partner for long-term product support.
About Thomas Global Systems
Thomas Global Systems is a globally recognized leader in the design, production, and support of innovative electronic systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. Founded in 1956, the company has established a strong reputation for delivering practical, reliable, and cutting-edge solutions to meet the needs of the aviation and defense industries. With facilities in both Irvine, California, and Sydney, Australia, Thomas Global Systems has earned international acclaim for its expertise in avionics, mission electronics, and simulation & training systems.
As a trusted supplier of avionics solutions, Thomas Global Systems is dedicated to offering products that enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of aviation systems. The company’s focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction has made it a preferred partner for aerospace and defense customers worldwide.
In addition to its work on the Pro Line 4 display support agreement, Thomas Global Systems continues to develop and deliver advanced avionics solutions for a wide range of aircraft types. The company’s TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 display units are just one example of their ongoing commitment to advancing avionics technology while ensuring compatibility with legacy systems.
The new partnership between Collins Aerospace and Thomas Global Systems represents a significant step forward in providing long-term support for the Pro Line 4 avionics system. By transitioning display maintenance and repair responsibilities to Thomas Global Systems, Collins Aerospace is ensuring that operators of legacy Pro Line 4 systems continue to receive the support and upgrades they need for reliable, efficient operations. The availability of the TFD-4000 and TFD-4100 LCD replacements marks a key milestone in addressing the challenges of CRT obsolescence while enhancing display performance, weight, and reliability.
This collaboration not only benefits operators who rely on Pro Line 4 displays but also underscores the ongoing commitment of both Collins Aerospace and Thomas Global Systems to supporting the longevity of avionics technologies in the aerospace industry. As avionics systems evolve, strategic partnerships like this one will play a crucial role in ensuring that legacy systems remain operational and relevant, providing operators with the solutions they need to meet the demands of modern aviation.
