The company had previously designed and built the visual control room at RAF Coningsby in preparation for the arrival of the Typhoon aircraft. Thales originally approached Tex ATC as an acknowledged specialist in delivering state-of-the-art flying control solutions. The FLYCO position provides the operators with an unparalleled operational working space, with three metre tall specially glazed panels, giving more than 290 degrees of view over the flight deck. The multi-layered glass – designed to provide solar and noise protection – is also incredibly strong. The glass flying control position (or FLYCO), fitted onto the rear island, is the operational centre controlling all air operations and is closely linked to the ship’s operations room, navigation bridge, flight deck and hangar operations centre.Īs part of its aviation lead responsibilities, Thales led the procurement of the FLYCO from the Special Projects division of Ipswich-based key supplier Tex ATC Ltd, one of the world’s leading providers of military and civilian airfield visual control rooms.

Both islands are designed to switch functionality if required, giving the carrier a key redundancy factor in an operational environment. The unique twin islands means that the ship has a dedicated rear island to direct air operations, while the forward island and bridge controls the ship’s navigation.

World of warships carrier controls