Over the last several years, avionics systems have undergone a remarkable shift in the way pilots monitor and interact with aircraft, with one major aspect of this evolution being the introduction of digital cockpits. These modern cockpit interfaces largely replace traditional analog gauges by consolidating crucial navigation and performance data onto intuitive high-resolution display systems, resulting in reduced pilot workload and enhanced situational awareness.
With numerous manufacturers offering specialized cockpit display solutions, it is essential that those responsible for managing and upgrading aircraft understand which options are best for certain mission profiles and certification requirements. Whether upgrading legacy avionics or outfitting a new fleet, knowing which suppliers lead the market can provide better decision-making and long-term value considerations. In this blog, we will examine some notable digital cockpit displays offered by leading manufacturers, breaking down their designs, strengths, and integration specifications.
Honeywell Aerospace
Honeywell Aerospace is one of the most established and influential names in avionics, known for developing systems that serve both commercial and military aviation sectors. Particularly, their focus on scalability and technological synergy makes them a favored choice for aircraft manufacturers and operators seeking flexibility across different classes of aircraft. Among their most recognized display solutions are the:
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Primus Epic: This flagship avionics suite offers a fully integrated cockpit experience by merging information across multiple high-resolution LCDs. Its open architecture also permits software upgrades and system customization. However, operators considering Primus Epic for retrofits must verify compatibility with older avionics.
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Primus Elite: Building on the Epic platform, the Primus Elite replaces legacy CRTs with lightweight LCD, improving both graphical clarity and energy efficiency. It also supports advanced features such as Jeppesen charting, XM weather overlays, synthetic vision, and video input capabilities, contributing to more intuitive flight path visualization and terrain awareness. While designed for straightforward replacement of CRTs, Primus Elite displays still require assessments during retrofits to ensure proper merging with existing systems.
Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace is another major force in producing digital cockpit displays that benefit both civil and military applications. Their Pro Line Fusion system exemplifies next-generation cockpit design, offering high-resolution touchscreen displays, intuitive control frameworks that seamlessly integrate with subsystems, and advanced situational tools such as synthetic and enhanced vision systems. It also incorporates graphical flight planning, interactive maps, and head-up display (HUD) compatibility for pilot awareness.
One of the standout aspects of Pro Line Fusion is its modular architecture, which allows for incremental upgrades without demanding complete system overhauls. However, because Pro Line Fusion installations also rely on aircraft-specific Supplemental Type Certificates, retrofit programs typically involve extended downtime and significant investment.
Garmin Aviation
Garmin has become a leading provider of cockpit displays in the general aviation and light business jet markets, with their G1000, G3000, and G5000 families having garnered widespread adoption due to their clean layout, built-in redundancy, and user-friendly design. Some particularly notable variants include the:
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G1000 NXi: This upgrade to Garmin’s original G1000 brings improved graphical rendering, faster processing, and added wireless capabilities. Features like tablet connectivity allow for wireless flight plan transfers and real-time updates, which support a more connected cockpit ecosystem. Its compatibility with light aircraft platforms makes it especially prevalent among general aviation fleets.
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G5000: Designed for larger business jets, the G5000 includes high-definition touchscreen controllers, synthetic vision, and advanced traffic depiction. This system is praised for reducing pilot workload through an intuitive user interface and presenting complex data in digestible formats.
It should be noted that Garmin’s flight deck systems are generally certified for use on specific OEM-approved platforms, and assimilating them into aircraft not originally designed for these avionics may require custom adaptation and Supplemental Type Certification (STC).
Thales Group
Thales offers avionics solutions that span civil airliners, military aircraft, and rotary-wing platforms. Their cockpit displays exemplify adaptability and user-centered design, with options such as the:
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FlytX: Designed with rotary-wing and light fixed-wing aircraft in mind, FlytX is a compact and lightweight avionics suite. It boasts large-format touchscreen displays that integrate flight management, navigation, communication, and mission data within a unified layout. FlytX also incorporates evolving artificial intelligence for contextual decision assistance, such as voice-activated controls and predictive recommendations. While the system improves cockpit efficiency and reduces pilot workload, its reliance on touchscreen input may necessitate additional pilot training for those transitioning from more tactile-based controls.
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TopStar: Geared toward larger fixed-wing aircraft and complex transport platforms, the TopStar series delivers high-resolution displays engineered for visual clarity, environmental durability, and operational reliability. These displays are also built to withstand thermal variation, vibration, and electromagnetic interference, making them well-suited for demanding civil and defense aviation settings. Many variants rely on proprietary software suites that benefit from structured training programs, which can increase deployment complexity and ongoing support needs.
Esterline/Barco
Operating under the Barco brand, Esterline provides ruggedized
cockpit display solutions tailored for military and mission-critical aviation environments. Their systems prioritize durability, flexibility, and support for specialized mission equipment, being designed to withstand shock, extreme temperatures,
electromagnetic interference, and continuous vibration. Many units also enable night vision and a range of video and data inputs, including radar, FLIR, and mission maps.
Barco’s portfolio includes the Mission Display Unit (MDU) and Integrated Display Unit (IDU) series, each offering field-proven options like the:
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MDU-268: A compact, sunlight-readable 6×8" display with LED backlighting and wide viewing angles.
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FDU-2108: A larger 10×8" display for high-content mission environments, with flexible mounting and multi-video input support.
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CMA-6800: A retrofit-friendly unit designed for legacy panel upgrades, offering modern digital display features in existing form factors.
Despite their adaptability, Barco displays often require custom integration pathways and vendor-provided configuration tools during implementation to line up with specific avionics architectures, especially in non-standard aircraft or when interfacing with proprietary mission systems.
Source Dependable Cockpit Display Systems and Components on Boost Fulfillment
Selecting the right cockpit system is vital for aircraft performance and pilot efficiency, but it is equally important to source from reputable suppliers with a proven track record of quality.
Boost Fulfillment, an ASAP Semiconductor-operated platform, presents a diverse range of cockpit displays and various avionics items from trusted manufacturers, helping to ensure reliability and airworthiness.
This centralized procurement website simplifies the sourcing process for aviation professionals, allowing them to obtain all the components they need from one dependable location. Moreover, we routinely achieve the perfect balance to help customers obtain reliable parts on time, all while accommodating budgets and other pressing requirements. Taking this into account, we encourage you to explore our offerings and get in touch with a team member at your earliest convenience!
