Digital Map Unit

The GEC Ferranti digital map generator (DMG) has been developed to meet the mission requirements of the next generation of combat aircraft. Housed in a 3/4 ATR box, the DMG is suitable not only for these new aircraft but also for a large number of retrofit applications. The experience gained in developingand manufacturing moving map displays for the F/A-18 Hornet, Jaguar, Tornado and Harrier has enabled GEC Ferranti to optimise the DMG to provide maximum flexibility with minimum pilot workload. The video output of the DMG can be displayed on the normal range of cockpit displays.

The DMG hardware and software can handle both true digital maps and digitised chart infor-mation. The digital database can be held in solid- state or in optical disc. Both of these options have been developed. Features on the presentation can be selectively displayed or erased. Hazards such as terrain and obstacles above aircraft altitude can be made to stand out in contrasting colour. Safe areas occasioned by terrain masking can be depicted, and areas may be viewed from different angles and altitudes. Data updating is rapid and simple. The map is displayed on a GEC Ferranti colour electronic display which incorporates a multi-function keyboard and electronically generated symbology. The DMG was fitted to the Royal Air Force Tornado mid-life update.