Multi-function display: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Small screen surrounded by multiple soft keys}}

{{ about|the device found in aviation|the device of the same name found in [[Volkswagen]] automobiles|trip computer }}

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[[File:Multi-function indicator example1.svg|thumb|right|A schematic example of a multi-function display]]

A '''multi-function display''' (MFD) (part of [[multi function structure]]s) is a small screen ([[cathode ray tube|CRT]] or [[LCD]]) in an aircraft surrounded by multiple [[soft key|buttons]] that can be used to display information to the [[aviator|pilot]] in numerous configurable ways. Often an MFD will be used in concert with a [[primary flight display]]. MFDs are part of the digital era of modern planes or helicopter. The first MFD were introduced by air forces. The advantage of an MFD over analog display is that an MFD does not consume much space in the cockpit. For example the cockpit of [[RAH-66|RAH-66 "Comanche"]] does not have analog dials or gauges at all. All information is displayed on the MFD pages. The possible MFD pages could differ for every plane, complementing their abilities (in combat).

A '''multifunction display''' ('''MFD''') is a small-screen ([[cathode-ray tube|CRT]] or [[LCD]]) surrounded by multiple [[soft key]]s (configurable buttons) that can be used to display information to the user in numerous configurable ways. MFDs originated in aviation, first in military aircraft, and later were adopted by commercial aircraft, [[general aviation]], automotive use, motorsports use, and shipboard use.

Many MFDs allow the pilot to display their navigation route, moving map, weather radar, [[NEXRAD]], [[Ground Proximity Warning System|GPWS]], [[Traffic Collision Avoidance System|TCAS]] and airport information all on the same screen.

== MFDs in aviation ==

MFDs were added to the [[Space Shuttle]] (as the [[glass cockpit]]) starting in 1998 replacing the analog instruments and CRTs. The information being displayed is similar, and the glass cockpit was first flown on the [[STS-101]] mission.

AOften, '''multi-functionan display''' (MFD) (partwill ofbe [[multiused functionin structure]]s)concert iswith a small screen ([[cathodeprimary rayflight tube|CRTdisplay]] or [[LCD]](PFD), inand anforms aircrafta surroundedcomponent byof multiplea [[softglass key|buttonscockpit]]. thatMFDs canare bepart usedof tothe displaydigital informationera toof themodern [[aviator|pilot]]planes inor numeroushelicopter. configurableThe ways.first OftenMFDs anwere MFDintroduced willby beair usedforces in concertthe withlate a1960s [[primaryand flightearly display]].1970s; MFDsan areearly partexample ofis the digital era of modern planes or helicopter. The[[F-111D]] (first MFDordered werein introduced1967, bydelivered airfrom forces1970–73). The advantage of an MFD over analog display is that an MFD does not consume much space in the cockpit, as data can be presented in multiple pages, rather than always being present at once. For example, the cockpit of [[RAH-66|RAH-66]] "Comanche"]] does not have analog dials or gauges at all. All information is displayed on the MFD pages. The possible MFD pages could differ for every plane, complementing their abilities (in combat).

Many MFDs allow the pilotpilots to display their navigation route, moving map, weather radar, [[NEXRAD]], [[Groundground Proximityproximity Warningwarning System|GPWSsystem]], [[Traffictraffic Collisioncollision Avoidanceavoidance System|TCASsystem]], and airport information all on the same screen.

In modern automotive technology, MFDs are used in cars to display navigation, entertainment and vehicle status information.

MFDs were added to the [[Space Shuttle]] (as the glass cockpit) starting in 1998, replacing the analog instruments and CRTs. The information being displayed is similar, and the glass cockpit was first flown on the [[STS-101]] mission. Although many corporate business jets had them in years prior, the piston-powered [[Cirrus SR20]] became the first [[type certificate|part-23 certified]] aircraft to be delivered with an MFD in 1999 (and one of the first general aviation aircraft with a 10-in, flat-panel screen), followed closely by the [[Columbia 300 (aircraft)|Columbia 300]] in 2000 and many others in the ensuing years.

==See also==

*[[Acronyms and abbreviations in avionics]]

In modern automotive technology, MFDs are used in cars to display navigation, entertainment, and vehicle status information.

== See also ==

* [[Index of aviation articles]]

* [[Acronyms and abbreviations in avionics]]

* [[Primary flight display]]

==External linksReferences ==

{{reflist}}

* [http://vdotsys.com/ L-159 avionic MFD upgrades by Vdot Systems]

== Further reading ==

* {{cite book |last=Tooley |first=Mike |title=Aircraft Digital Electronic and Computer Systems |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ExZqZ0OjUAC|edition=2nd|year=2013|publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-135-05281-2}}

{{Flight instruments}}

[[Category:Avionics]]

[[Category:Aircraft instruments]]

[[Category:Glass cockpit]]

{{component-aircraft-stub}}