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Avionics Upgrade

Touchscreen Control Display Unit

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Overview
Benefits
Retrofit
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A modern interface to your flight management system

The new Touchscreen Control Display Unit (TCDU) is now available for retrofit on the 737 MAX and 737NG. Designed by Gables Engineering, the smart design of the reliable TCDU is the perfect complement to your Boeing Flight Management System (BFMS) or your legacy flight management computer.  

Cells phones. Tablets. Computers. Just about all technology today relies on touchscreen interfaces, and for a good reason. With an elegant interface that users prefer and expect, the touchscreens on the TCDU are also software configurable and not dependent on a specific hardware configuration. This allows you to keep systems current through software updates.

The TCDU emulates the physical keyboard layout of the CDU (control and display unit), MCDU (multi-function control and display unit), and FANS (future air navigation system) MCDU. It is designed to meet the flight management needs of today and cost-effectively supports the ever-changing needs of aircraft and flight management systems into the future.

Benefits

  • Flexible and scalable

    The TCDU is operational program control (OPC) configurable. This allows you to consolidate three separate hardware part numbers into a single part number that emulates three keyboard layouts (CDU, MCDU, FANS MCDU). The TCDU is also provisioned with two additional connectors for system interfaces supporting future capabilities. 

  • Interchangeable with flight management systems

    The TCDU is compatible with the Boeing Flight Management System (BFMS) and legacy flight management systems, provided that the flight management computers are installed as a pair (two BFMCs or two legacy FMCs) and the keyboard layout on the TCDU and legacy CDU match.

  • Lower maintenance cost

    The physical buttons on a traditional CDU easily wear out or become damaged, causing unnecessary maintenance costs and potential flight delays. The durability of the glass touchscreen has shown to be significantly more reliable, reducing maintenance costs. 

  • Weight savings

    The modern architecture of the TCDU reduces weight by three pounds (per two units). Lower weight translates to fuel saving, which helps support industry sustainability targets. 

Upgrade to TCDU

Boeing's Touchscreen Control and Display Unit.

Upgrade your traditional multi-function control display unit (MCDU) to start realizing the benefits of the reliable and modern Touchscreen Control Display Unit (TCDU). The TCDU is designed to meet the flight management needs of today and will cost-effectively support the ever-changing needs of aircraft and flight management systems into the future.  

This form, fit, and function replacement makes upgrading to the TCDU easy. A simple mounting bracket installs seamlessly into the existing panel opening for an effective drop-in replacement. No retrofit wiring is required. No change to data loading processes is required.

Available for 737 MAX and 737NG and compatible with the Boeing Flight Management System and legacy 737 flight management systems, the TCDU emulates the physical keyboard layout of the CDU (control display unit), MCDU (multi-function control and display unit), and FANS (future air navigation system) MCDU.  

Contact us for more information about specific airplane configurations. 

Services and Support