MCST National R&I Programme R&I-2012-065 (2013-2015)

TOUCH-FLIGHT developed novel concepts of human-machine interface and interaction (HMI2) for flight guidance and navigation. This is a new and emerging technology area in the industry, in which there is significant interest by the avionics suppliers and airframers. The work involved the use of a tablet-like device to allow the pilot to interact with the aircraft systems directly without needing to reach out to the main instrument panel, glare shield, overhead panel and central pedestal areas.

The research focused on the use of appropriate graphical display layouts coupled with touchscreen gestures to carry out input functions by the pilot on the flight deck. The work was a collaboration between QuAero Ltd. and the University of Malta (acting as lead partner), with the cooperation of Thales Avionics as External Industrial Advisor. The project culminated in the development of a prototype that allows demonstration to industry, and the successful grant of four patents in the US. A patent, for this technology, is also being sought in other countries.