Software Upgrade
Avidyne, Lincoln, Mass., released a software upgrade for its EX500 multifunction displays (MFD).
The company said the software expands the range of XM WX Satellite Weather data displayed and simplifies database updates with USB flash drive support. EX500 MFDs now can display XM WX Storm Tracks, Hail Alerts, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts, Winds Aloft and freezing levels. USB flash drive support simplifies Jeppesen NavData and Avidyne CMax approach chart updates. Visit www.avidyne.com.
VME Card
Excalibur Systems, Elmont, N.Y., released a card in its Mil-Std-1553 Px family. The EXC-1553ccVME/Px is a multi-channel (up to 16) Mil-Std-1553A/B interface board for conduction cooled VME systems.
The channels are fully independent, dual redundant, each of which can operate simultaneously as a bus controller and up to 32 remote terminals, and also as a Triggerable Monitor. Also, the card supports extensive error injection and detection capabilities and an internal loop back. The card has an operating temperature range of -40º C to +85º C, and may optionally be ordered with conformal coating.
The EXC-1553ccVME/Px is designed for rugged embedded applications, especially those requiring operation in a sealed, conduction cooled, extended temperature environment. Visit www.mil-1553.com.
Circular Connectors
Positronic Industries introduced its King Cobra circular connector series. The company said the King Cobra housings are molded of lightweight, non-corrodible composite materials.
King Cobra features include contact sizes 22, 20 and 16 for signal and power applications; environmental options that meet the requirements of IP65; right angle and straight PCB mount terminations; cable terminations and accessories. Visit www.connectpositronic.com.
1553 Terminal
API Nanotronics said its National Hybrid division introduced the smallest Mil-Std-1553 integrated terminal available, with a footprint less than 0.6-inch square.
As part of the NHI-PBGA family of Mil-Std-1553 products, the terminal is targeted for high-volume defense markets such as GPS-guided vehicles, allowing sophisticated programmed instructions and data to be downloaded from stationary or airborne control centers.
The Multi-protocol Mil-Std-1553 Data Bus Interface addresses the critical problem of solder shorts between balls by providing oversized solder balls with a generous pitch, the company said.
The PBGA family is designed as an autonomous interface between host processor and terminal that unburdens the CPU. The ET versions function as a programmable BC-RT-MT terminal or simultaneous MT-RT. The RT devices operate as Remote Terminal only.
The highly reliable plastic construction of the product allows it to meet harsh environmental requirements, while remaining cost effective in high-volume markets. Visit www.apinanotronics.com.
LCD Monitor
Flight Display Systems, Alpharetta, Ga., received Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) from the FAA for its 20-inch Low Profile LCD monitor.
PMA approval was granted to Flight Display Systems from the original supplemental type certificate holder in April.
Flight Display Systems said it now has PMA approval on LCD monitors of 7, 10.2, 15 and 20 inches.
The company said the monitor is a great fit for Gulfstream and Challenger aircraft. Visit www.flightdisplay.com.
UAV Propulsion
Bental Industries, Bental, Israel, released a series of propulsion systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The company said its three families of propulsion systems are designed and manufactured to meet severe environmental conditions.
The newest system weighs 450 grams including the driver, and is designed for micro and mini UAVs of up to 8 kg. The system delivers 12 watts.
The second family, the 56-gram B-013 Propulsion System, is a permanent magnet, sensorless, brushless motor for driving micro air vehicle propellers.
The third family, the B-047-017 Propulsion System, weighs 1.4 kg and is ideal for all platforms weighing up to 50 kilograms. Designed to drive UAV propellers of about 24 inches’ diameter, it has an integrated encoder for commutations feedback and for controlling the propeller’s angular position during landing. Visit www.bental.co.il.
Fiber Optic Connectors
Tyco Electronics, Harrisburg, Pa., obtained interim approval from the U.S. Navy for its line of non-pull proof SC fiber optic connectors. These connectors are for use in commercial off-the-shelf applications.
The SC fiber optic connector product line is a non pull-proof design created to address the specific needs of tight-jacketed cable constructions. SC fiber optic connectors are used for data networking in several aerospace and marine applications, including in-flight networking and shipboard data networking, and in commercial aviation.
With the new non pull-proof design, the jacket and buffer move together, which helps minimize micro-bends and breakage of the fiber optic core. Visit www.tycoelectronics.com.
Pilotage Sensor
Lockheed Martin unveiled a pilotage sensor for cargo and utility aircraft during recent flight demonstrations on a UH-1H helicopter at Fort Belvoir, Va.
The company said the sensor, called Pathfinder, leverages existing proven technology from the Lockheed Martin Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (M-TADS/PNVS) system deployed on the AH-64D Longbow Apache.
Pathfinder increases situational awareness and reduces pilot workload through a head-up, eyes-out, helmet-mounted display.
The Pathfinder is the only forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system designed and developed specifically to support terrain-following flight and terminal operations in unimproved landing areas.
The pilotage FLIR used in Pathfinder is the next generation in thermal imaging. Its long-wave, high-definition camera has 52-degree, wide field-of-view optics. Pathfinder is provisioned for image blending, and its advanced processing algorithms give pilots the best resolution possible to avoid obstacles such as wires and trees.
The Pathfinder turret is easily mounted on the helicopter’s chin using a kit consisting of three line replaceable modules. Eleven of the 14 line replaceable modules are 100 percent common with the AH-64D Apache’s M-PNVS system, creating a unique synergy with the already established M-TADS/PNVS production line. Visit www.lockheedmartin.com.
Linear Acutators
Aerotech, Aldermaston, U.K., released a series of linear actuators, which the company says provide the technology for high-throughput/high precision pick and place machines, automated test stations and assembly equipment.
Available in two module sizes with high performance linear brushless servomotors and integral feedback encoders, LMA/LMAC actuators include dual sealed linear motion guide bearings and robust chain-type cable management for a complete positioning solution. LMA and LMAC actuators can be used as fixed or moving carriage positioners and may be applied to single axis positioning, X-Y mounting, dual parallel axis, Z axis and gantry style positioning systems.
The LMA version has a section of 140 mm x 120 mm and a payload of 40 kg central loading with an offset load capability of 20 kg. The smaller LMAC model has an 84 mm x 90 mm section with a 20 kg central and 10 kg offset loading.
The actuators may be directly fixed without the need of adapter plates for a compact assembly. Both models are available in travel ranges from 100 mm to 1500 mm (in 100 mm increments) and have a positioning accuracy of ±1 µm/25 mm as standard, or a calibrated accuracy of ±5 µm over the entire travel length when used with an Aerotech controller. Repeatability is within ± 0.5 µm. Visit www.aerotech.co.uk.
Air Data Test Set
DMA-Aero, Danbury, Conn., introduced MPS38B, a fully automatic Air Data Test Set suitable for fast and reliable calibration/leak testing of pitot static instruments for the ramp testing of all modern commercial fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
The instrument features a 22-pound, rugged construction with a 12-month calibration cycle and 24-month warranty.
The MPS38B offers RVSM compliant accuracy with up to 30 test programs over ranges to 50,000 feet altitude and 700 knots airspeed. Built-in protection to safeguard the test set includes isolation in the event of power loss. A guaranteed pump life of 1000 hours is significantly enhanced by the pump only running on demand. Other features include true air speed temperature correction, altitude offset correction and automatic leak testing. Visit www.dma-aero.com.
Preferred Supplier
DRS Technologies named SEA Wire and Cable, Madison, Ala., its preferred supplier. DRS Technologies, Parsippany, N.J., said it selected SEA Wire and Cable, as a strategic partner to ensure superior quality, delivery and comprehensive supply chain management.
SEA Wire and Cable provides a range of products to support DRS Technology’s worldwide operations. Visit www.sea-wire.com.
Potentiometer Switch
Electro-Mech, South El Monte, Calif., released its backlit potentiometer switch, SW44515, which the company said offers both rotary and push-on/push-off functionality, plus LED backlighting for maximum operation control.
The compact, all-in-one unit saves valuable panel space in applications where there are tight design limitations, Electro-Mech said.
Featuring a backlit lens assembly and an alternate action push-button switch, the SW44515 utilizes two discrete LEDs that backlight the translucent knob in all standard LED colors. Typical applications include industrial/avionics displays and audio controls, instrument panel controls and other high-density panels.
The unit weighs less than one ounce, measures less than one inch in diameter and requires about three inches of space behind the display panel. It mounts via two mounting screws into the front panel. Visit www.electromechcomp.com.
VXS Backplane
Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions, a Brockton, Mass.-based electronic packaging and system expansion company, released its VITA 41 VME Switched Serial (VXS) switch fabric backplane for military and aerospace applications.
The VXS backplane allows users to integrate a cost-effective, high-performance upgrade to the latest VITA standards while still supporting the legacy capability of the VME64x bus structure. The company said the VXS backplane retrofit capabilities help achieve the fastest data transfer rates without the cost of adopting VPX technology.
The VXS backplane is designed for maximum versatility and can be customized with multiple configurations for each unique embedded, development, testing or measurement application, the company said. Visit www.gavazzi-computing.com.
New Office
AviIT, an aviation software and consultancy services provider, opened its first office in the United States, in Riverhead, N.Y. The company said the office will assist in efforts to develop its product and service solutions to meet the needs of Commercial and General Aviation Industry customers.
The new office will be directed by Vince Doherty. Visit www.aviit.com.
LED Indicators
Dialight Corp., Farmingdale, N.J., expanded its line of LED panel mount indicators with the addition of its 612 and 616 series for easy front-panel mounting in 0.492-inch and 0.642-inch holes and panel thicknesses of up to 0.236 inches
The RoHS-compliant indicators are designed for a variety of applications, including main/remote power indication, status indication, maintenance/warning indication and instrumentation. The indicators last longer than incandescent lamps — up to 100,000 hours — use 90 percent less power and generate no heat, Dialight said. Visit www.dialight.com.
Antenna System
Tecom Industries, Thousand Oaks, Calif., has been selected by Raytheon Space & Airborne Systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, to develop and manufacture the mid- and high-band receive and transmit antennas for the ADM-160B Miniature Air Launched Decoy (MALD) Program.
MALD is an effects-based approach to counter-air operations to neutralize enemy air defenses. MALD can replicate manned aircraft combat flight profiles and radar signatures of U.S. aircraft, diverting enemy air defense resources to engage the decoys to leave manned aircraft less vulnerable. Visit www.tecom-ind.com.
Noise Reduction Headset
Beyerdynamic, Heilbronn, Germany, introduced HS 600 DANR, an aviation headset, featuring Digital Adaptive Noise Reduction.
The company said the HS 600 DANR is superior to standard analog systems as it can adapt to different noise frequencies from a wider frequency band.
The headset is powered by two AA batteries or via the aircraft’s electrical system when connected by the supplied cable with 3-pin XLR connector.
Using the HS 600’s DANR software, a microprocessor generates a phase-inverse counter sound, which eliminates the filtered noise signal, offering noise attenuation of about 40 decibels. Whether the aircraft is powered by a low-rotating piston engine or turbo jet engine, the headset adapts to noise levels and reduces background noise, enabling pilots to hear warnings transmitted via the intercom system. The HS 600 DANR features an audio box, which allows for the connection of cell phones or MP-3 players. When intercom signals come through, the volume of the cell phone or MP-3 player is automatically decreased. Visit www.beyerdynamic-USA.com.