Description
Multifunction Display is a small screen CRT that is surrounded by multiple soft keys. The screen is used to display information in numerous ways to the user. This technology was essentially used in military aircraft. However, the market penetration for multifunction displays now ranges to verticals including commercial aircraft, general aviation, shipboard use, automotive use, etc. MFD used in aviation is a key component of the glass cockpit. The technology is mainly used in combination with a primary flight display.
On making a comparison to other analog displays it is seen that MFDs are less space cumbersome as opposed to other technologies. Information is displayed on various pages in the case of an MFD instead of being shown in a single glimpse. For instance, the cockpit for RAH-66 Comanche does not make use of analog dials or gauges. Instead, the RAH-66 makes use of an MFD to display all its information. The MFD for each aircraft differs in its tactical ability as well as application.
The overall aerospace and defense MFD market is segmented by System, Platform, and region. The regional segmentation for this market ranges across North America, Europe, APAC, the Middle East, and the RoW. The system segment comprises of Helmet-Mounted Displays, Portable Multi-function Displays, Electronic Flight Displays, and Head-up Displays. While the Platform segment includes Land, Air and Naval mean of transport.
One of the key drivers for this market is the advent of glass cockpits. The introduction of this technology is anticipated to drive the safety associated with the flight. Moreover, the introduction of a glass cockpit eases the pilot’s ability to fly an airplane. The technology eliminates parallax which is one of the key advantages of glass cockpits. The implementation of glass cockpits also integrates technologies like Bluetooth and enables faster interpretation of scenarios. Glass cockpits offer precision in terms of graphical weather display. This is one of the key features of glass cockpits that helps provide the pilot with weather forecasts, radar reports, satellite imagery, etc.
The integration of glass cockpits also reduces data redundancy, i.e. the technology collects data points like altitude, latitude, airspeed, etc from ADC (air data computers) and AHRS (Attitude and heading reference systems).
Conclusively, on studying the regional competitive mapping for this vertical is to be noted that North America and Europe account for the largest regional segments within this market. The growth in adoption of technologies like glass cockpit within the commercial aviation domain serves as a key driver for the Aerospace and Defense Multifunction Display Systems Market. The growth in market opportunities for commercial aviation within countries like China and India is expected to drive the market growth potential within these regions. The presence of technology-centric countries within APAC is expected to drive the market growth for the same. Moreover, the rapid growth in automation and industrialization within this region is expected to drive the overall market dynamics.
