A380 Cockpit Photo

Someone has done a bit of re-touch on the two displays that flank the pilot & co-pilot (see enlargements), but the text they inserted isn't that far off!   And there really is a folding data entry keyboard & table that comes out from under the instrument panel to occupy the traditional control yoke's position.  Note the actual flight control is now a small fly-by-wire side-stick that doesn't interfere with display views and access to all the pushbuttons......

Below are blow-ups of the left & right data screens (with ha-ha text inserted by someone).  The displays that show video are for real, being capable of displaying external cameras that aid the pilots in ground maneuvering.  There are also heads-up displays on which images or data may be projected.

The overall level of automation is becoming incredible...for instance, while still on approach the A380 pilot can pre-select the runway turnoff he (or the tower) wants to make, and the autopilot will adjust flight parameters & ground braking as required to put him at turnoff speed when he reaches it.....

For another, and presumably un-retouched, picture of a production A380 cockpit, click here.

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Last modified: 7/27/08