Twenty-first century technology meets a 20th century helicopter this week at the MD Helicopters booth (No. 1618), where Sagem’s ICDS-8 integrated cockpit display system is on view in an MD530 panel.

Designed for an MD500 series modernization program, the two-tube array from Sagem, of Grand Prairie, Texas, replaces original equipment electromechanical instrumentation, providing increased functionality, as well as an 18-pound weight reduction.

Flat-panel full-color 8.4-inch screens present customary flight director and horizontal situation indicator information on a primary flight display, while the corresponding multifunction display can be made to show just about anything that can be turned into video. The integrated display system was designed and installed by United Rotorcraft Solutions, Decatur, Texas.

A variety of Sagem helicopter cockpit systems is on display a few feet away at Booth No. 1637. Larry Alexandre, Sagem Avionics president and CEO, said, “Working with MD Helicopters on the MD500 modernization program has addressed the need of a large global customer base.”