FlexFlyt Integrated Modular Avionics
Scalable computing infrastructure for next generation aircraft
FlexFlyt IMA (Integrated Modular Avionics) is an open-systems platform designed to simplify aircraft design, accelerate development cycles, and offer unique digital features. With its robust partitioning and modular architecture, FlexFlyt IMA ensures cost efficiency and operational excellence.
FORCES
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Cost efficiency
By reducing hardware part numbers and optimizing the supply chain, FlexFlyt IMA significantly cuts down on maintenance and evolution costs.
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Mastering the development
Minimize the time and cost associated with incremental upgrades, speeding up development cycles and reducing risks.
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Advanced digital features
Optimize aircraft operations with enhanced digital features.
FlexFlyt IMA, the Thales Open IMA platform, is designed to simplify new commercial and military aircraft programs, to accelerate development cycles, and to offer unique digital features.
With a SWAP (Size, Weight and Power)-optimized shipset, FlexFlyt IMA reduces the number of Line-Replaceable Units (LRUs) and wiring, leading to significant cost savings and simplification all along the aircraft lifecycle.
FlexFlyt IMA is not just a platform; it's a comprehensive solution that addresses the core challenges of aircraft design and maintenance. By leveraging advanced digital features and SWAP-optimized building blocks, FlexFlyt IMA ensures that your aircraft is not only efficient but also future-proof.
FEATURES
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FlexFlyt is an ecosystem that may comprise:
• IOM Module: data concentrator supporting gateway and configurable function technology
• Computing Module: high performance Computing modules (A653P1 OS), Multi Core solution
• Controller Module: high integrity, low latency Computing module with A653P4 OS
• Graphic processing module: 2D/3D robust partitioned graphic generator
• Network Switch Module: relying on a core A664 P3/P7 network combined with secondary networks
• CyberGateway: Secured connection to cockpit, crew and OCCs
• Flight Management system such as the Thales FMS200, FACE compatible
• FlytX avionics suite
KEY FIGURES
Thales IMA (Integrated Modular Avionics) revolutionized avionics architecture by moving from conventional, federated systems—where each function has its own dedicated hardware—to a modular, shared platform. Introduced in the early 2000s, Thales pioneered the deployment of IMA with the Airbus A380, marking the first commercial aircraft to benefit from this innovation. Since then, Thales IMA has been adopted on numerous platforms, notably the Airbus A350, A400M, ATR-600.
The core strength of Thales IMA lies in its open, modular architecture. This allows multiple avionics functions—such as flight management, communications, and surveillance—to operate reliably on shared, standardized hardware modules. The result is a significant reduction in onboard electronic units, cables, and overall weight—up to 40% lighter compared to traditional architectures—which translates to lower fuel consumption and simplified maintenance.
Another key strength is flexibility and scalability: software functions can be updated, replaced, or added without extensive hardware changes or costly recertification, supporting evolving operational needs and regulations. Thales IMA platforms also offer high levels of reliability and fault tolerance, thanks to automatic resource management and redundancy.
Today, Thales IMA equips more than 7,000 aircraft worldwide and is certified on over 10 major programs. Its proven history, from the world’s largest commercial airliners to versatile military transports, underscores Thales’ leading role in shaping the avionics industry with reliable, cost-effective, and future-ready solutions.
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