ArgonFDS Flight Deck Displays for Defense Applications

Updated: April, 2025

Summary

This document reviews the ArgonFDS family of rugged military displays designed for flight deck applications. While different aircraft types each have unique flight deck design requirements based on the mission-set, each also share a limitation on the physical space available for displays and controls within the aircrew’s line of sight and reach. ArgonFDS has engineered several size classes of displays intended to optimize the use of flight deck space, providing high-definition video and graphics plus a highly configurable user interface to mission systems. ArgonFDS flight displays are available both with and without embedded computer processing, providing flexible options for flight deck design.

Technology Overview

Display Technologies

– TFT LCDs with dual-mode LED backlights across all models for sunlight readable high brightness and contrast plus low-light dimming with Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compliant filtering

– Ruggedized, optically filtered, glass-on-glass touchscreen options suitable for operations with flight and chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) protective gloves

– Customizable physical control buttons, switches and encoders with NVIS-filtered backlighting

– Analog and digital video interfaces providing connection options to almost any mission system

– Anti-reflection technology to eliminate windscreen/canopy reflections through controlled off-angle luminance

Core Features

– Available as either smart displays with embedded computers or display-only units

– Extremely compact form factors

– Low power consumption

– Day/Night operation modes

– Multiple mounting options for flight deck panels, Dzus rails, swing arms, etc.

– Extensive customization capabilities backed by 35+ years of experience:

– Bezel design and button layouts

– Form factor adaptation to fit legacy unit spaces

– Flexible I/O configurations

– Customizable video resolutions

– Various connector options to match system requirements

Technical Comparison

Power Interfaces

Video Interfaces

User Interface

Computer Processing for Smart Displays

Mission Data Interface Formats for Smart Displays

Parameter	Detail
USB 2.0 and 3.2 Gen 2	Supporting data & power delivery
RS232/RS422/485	Port quantities expandable as required
High Power: Graphics Intensive Apps	Intel Core i7 + NVIDIA GPU, 130W
Ethernet	10/100/1000/2500 & 10 Gbps
ARINC 429	Port quantities expandable as required
ARINC 825 CAN Bus	Available upon request
Discrete I/O	5/28VDC and DACs available
Optional Audio In and Out	Analog stereo I/O
Optional Embedded GPS	Standard GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo UBX, RTCM, and NMEA protocols M-Code receiver available upon request
Optional Wireless Connections	DoD approved Bluetooth LE 802.11ac/a/b/g/n Dual-Band Wi-Fi
Data Storage	mSATA & NVMe storage drives Removable storage available upon request

Mounting and Interface Options

Display Characteristics

High Resolution Capabilities

ArgonFDS cockpit display solutions utilize LCD panels, which equal or exceed the human factors capabilities for 20/20 vision.

– ASD50: 5.0” diagonal display with159 Pixels per Inch (PPI), 640×480

– ASD70: 7.0” diagonal display with 314 PPI, 1920×1080/1200

– ASD84: 8.4” diagonal display with 152 PPI, 1024×768

– ARD101: 10.1” diagonal display with 224 PPI, 1920×1200

– ARD104: 10.4” diagonal display with 123 PPI, 1024×768

Sunlight Readability Performance

ArgonFDS ASD and ARD families of displays have high-brightness LED backlighting engineered for use in the harsh direct-sunlight environments of flight decks and bubble-canopy cockpits. The combination of high-bright LED backlighting, high-contrast 1000:1+ LCDs, and optically filtered cover glass ensure that critical mission information is visible to aircrew in all lighting conditions. Furthermore, specialized filters are available to limit LCD screen reflections on canopy glass.

Advanced Display Technologies

Canopy Reflection Elimination

Aircraft crew members often struggle with reflections on windscreens or bubble canopies from cockpit displays, especially during night operations. ArgonFDS displays use specialized optical filter elements embedded in the display glass to control off-angle luminance. This technology directs light into desired viewing angles, making displays clearly visible to pilots without creating distracting or dangerous reflections.

Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Compatibility

ArgonFDS displays implement true dual-mode backlighting with separate day and night LED systems. The NVIS-compatible LEDs provide even, low-level illumination without “blooming” that can impair night vision goggles or cause display hotspots. The specialized NVIS LEDs operate in the 650-930nm wavelength range with explicit cutoffs below 650nm to prevent night vision interference.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions & Weight

The smallest ArgonFDS cockpit displays can be delivered with a footprint and weight of just 4.89″ x 3.86″ x 1.09″ and1.0 lbs. The mechanical design expertise we have allows us to provide the maximum screen size in the smallest footprint to fit the platform.

Environmental Performance

Temperature Range – MIL-STD-810H and DO-160G compliant

– Operating: -40°C to +71°C (rapid cold start option available)

– Storage: -55°C to +85°C

Ruggedization Features – MIL-STD-810H and DO-160G compliant

– Shock: Operational, Crash up to 40g, Bench Handling

– Vibration: Fixed and Rotary Wing

– Altitude: Up to 50kft Operating

– Explosive Atmosphere & Rapid Decompression

– Environmental Protection: 100% enclosed, resistant to salt fog, sand/dust

EMI/EMC: MIL-STD-461G compliant

Optional User Controls

– On/Off

– Day/Night

– OSD

– Brightness control

– Optional bezel buttons

– Customizable control layouts

Applications

Primary Use Cases

– Fixed & Rotary Wing Aircraft

– Particularly suited for helicopter applications due to superior vibration resistance and lightweight design

– Meets the demanding requirements of rotary wing environments

– Naval & Maritime Vessels

– Military Ground Vehicles

– Transportation Systems

– Oil & Gas Installations

Selection Considerations

First, determine whether your application requires:

• A smart display with embedded computer functionality
• A display-only unit for simple visualization needs

Additional key factors when choosing between models:[DE1]

1. Available Panel Space and Installation Method: Consider the physical constraints of your cockpit design and how the display will be mounted. This includes evaluating depth requirements and structural mounting capabilities for panel, dash or bulkhead installations.
2. Viewing Distance and Readability: Ensure the display size and resolution accommodate the information density needed while maintaining legibility at the expected viewing distance. Flight deck geometry affects optimal display size selection.
3. Resolution Needs and Information Architecture: Determine required resolution based on information complexity and density. Critical flight information should be easily distinguishable through appropriate contrast, hierarchy and grouping.
4. Power Constraints and Thermal Considerations: Evaluate available power sources and thermal management requirements, especially for high-brightness operations or extended use in extreme temperatures.
5. Environmental Conditions and Viewability: Confirm the display will be readable in all expected operating environments, including in direct sunlight, during night operations and in adverse weather. Consider viewing angles, contrast ratio and reflection-control technologies.
6. Interface Requirements and Control Integration: Determine how the crew will interact with the display and what data interfaces are needed. Consider the ergonomics of touch targets, button spacing and gloved operation compatibility.
7. Mode Awareness and Alerting Functionality: Ensure the display clearly communicates its operational mode and effectively conveys cautions, warnings or abnormal conditions to ensure appropriate crew attention without increasing workload.

Conclusion

ArgonFDS’s flight deck display family offers a comprehensive range of options for military and aerospace applications. The modular design approach and extensive customization options ensure that specific program requirements can be met while maintaining core military standard compliance. Selection should be based on specific application requirements, particularly:

– Space constraints

– Display size requirements

– Power availability

– Environmental conditions

– Interface needs

– Installation requirements

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ArgonFDS Flight Deck Displays