In the world’s first major commitment to head-up display and enhanced vision technology by a civil operator, Federal Express announced late last year that it would equip its whole widebody fleet with the new equipment. The HUDs, to be supplied by Honeywell, will incorporate enhanced vision systems built by Kollsman. These two companies provide the HUD/EVS combinations currently being offered by Gulfstream in its G350, G450 and G550.
FedEx operates more than 200 widebodies, including DC-10s, MD-10s, MD-11s, A300s and A310s. (All FedEx DC-10s are progressively being converted to MD-10s–a company-designed refurb that includes a glass cockpit and other upgrades.) FedEx also owns 113 Boeing 727s, 256 Caravans and 50 assorted other types, but these are not included in the program. In addition, 10 HUD/EVS-equipped Airbus A380 mega-freighters are on order, with options for an additional 10.
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