Super Bright TFT Displays in Military and Defence Applications

Super Bright TFT Displays in Military and Defence Applications: RDS’s Comprehensive Design and Manufacturing Solutions

By Daniel Burke, Marketing Manager at RDS

In the demanding world of military and defence operations, display technology plays a critical role in ensuring mission success. Super bright Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) displays have become indispensable for their ability to deliver clear, reliable visuals in extreme conditions. Review Display Systems (RDS), a leader in display solutions, provides end-to-end design and manufacturing services, integrating advanced TFT displays with touch functionality, cover glass, cabling, and production across multiple European and American sites. This article explores the technical prowess of super bright TFT displays and how RDS’s holistic approach meets the rigorous needs of defence applications.

The Role of Super Bright TFT Displays in Military and Defence

Military and defence environments—whether on land, sea, or air—require displays that perform flawlessly under harsh conditions. Super bright TFT displays, with brightness levels often exceeding 1000 cd/m², ensure sunlight readability in direct outdoor light, critical for vehicle dashboards, avionics, and tactical systems. These displays withstand extreme temperatures (typically -30°C to +85°C), shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference (EMI), adhering to standards like MIL-STD-810 and DEF STAN.

The active matrix technology in TFT displays uses a transistor per pixel for precise control, delivering vibrant colours, high contrast ratios (up to 1000:1), and wide viewing angles (near 178°). Fast response times (under 25ms) support dynamic graphics and real-time data, essential for navigation, surveillance, and command interfaces. Advanced backlighting, often using high-efficiency LEDs, enhances brightness while maintaining power efficiency, crucial for battery-powered field equipment.

Technical Details of High-Performance TFT Displays

Modern super bright TFT displays incorporate cutting-edge features tailored for defence:

• High Brightness and Optical Performance: Achieving up to 1500 cd/m², these displays use In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology for consistent colour and contrast across wide angles. Optical bonding reduces reflections and enhances durability, ensuring clarity in dusty or wet conditions.
• Ruggedisation: Shock-resistant designs tolerate vibrations in armoured vehicles or aircraft, with reinforced glass substrates and EMI shielding to maintain functionality in high-interference environments. Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility supports low-light operations.
• Touch Capabilities: Projected Capacitive (PCAP) touch panels allow precise interaction, even with gloved hands or in extreme weather. Multi-touch support and customisable sensitivity ensure reliable input for mission-critical tasks.
• Interfaces and Connectivity: Displays offer versatile interfaces like LVDS, MIPI, and HDMI, enabling seamless integration with embedded systems. Robust cabling solutions ensure stable data and power transmission in rugged setups.
• Compact and Lightweight: Sizes range from 3.5” to 31.5”, with resolutions like 800×480 or 1920×1080, optimised for space-constrained cockpits or portable devices. Low-profile designs reduce weight without compromising durability.

These technical attributes make TFT displays ideal for applications like ruggedized laptops, tank control panels, naval command stations, and UAV ground control systems.

RDS’s Complete Design and Build Service

Review Display Systems (RDS) stands out by offering a comprehensive service that transforms display concepts into fully integrated solutions. Their expertise spans design, customisation, and manufacturing, ensuring defence clients receive tailored products that meet exacting standards.

• Custom Design: RDS collaborates closely with clients to define specifications, selecting TFT displays that match environmental and operational needs. Engineers optimise brightness, resolution, and touch functionality, incorporating features like EMI shielding or NVIS filters. Custom firmware and controller boards enhance system compatibility.
• Touch Integration: RDS integrates PCAP or resistive touch panels, fine-tuning sensitivity for glove use or wet conditions. They ensure touch accuracy and durability, critical for battlefield interfaces.
• Cover Glass Solutions: RDS provides bespoke cover glass, including shatterproof, toughened, or laminated options. Anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings improve readability, while scratch-resistant surfaces withstand harsh environments. Custom shapes and thicknesses meet specific mechanical requirements.
• Cabling and Connectivity: RDS designs robust cabling harnesses to ensure reliable power and data transfer. These solutions are engineered for flexibility and durability, resisting vibration and extreme temperatures.
• Manufacturing Across Europe and America: With production facilities in multiple European and American sites, RDS ensures scalability, quality control, and compliance with regional standards. Their global supply chain supports rapid prototyping and high-volume production, minimising lead times. In-house testing verifies performance against military standards, ensuring reliability in the field.

Applications in Defence

RDS’s solutions power a range of defence systems:

• Ground Vehicles: High-brightness displays with rugged touch panels equip armoured vehicles, providing navigation and situational awareness in dusty, sunlit deserts.
• Avionics: NVIS-compatible displays with wide viewing angles support cockpit interfaces, delivering critical flight data in turbulent conditions.
• Naval Systems: EMI-shielded displays with robust cabling ensure reliable operation on ships, resisting saltwater corrosion and vibrations.
• Portable Devices: Lightweight, sunlight-readable displays with custom cover glass enable field communication and surveillance.

Why RDS?

RDS’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions sets them apart. Their proactive approach—guiding clients beyond initial specifications—ensures displays are efficient, sustainable, and future-proof. By combining European design precision with American manufacturing scalability, RDS meets diverse defence needs. Their commitment to transparency and collaboration fosters trust, while in-house expertise in controller boards, touch integration, and cabling delivers seamless, mission-ready products.

Conclusion

Super bright TFT displays are the backbone of modern military and defence systems, offering unmatched clarity, durability, and versatility. Review Display Systems elevates these technologies through comprehensive design and manufacturing services, integrating touch, cover glass, cabling, and production across European and American sites. By addressing the unique challenges of defence applications, RDS ensures that their display solutions empower personnel to operate effectively in the most demanding environments, safeguarding mission success.