1553/ARINC 429 Test, Simulation Products
Data Device Corporation (DDC), Bohemia, N.Y., introduced new Mil-Std-1553/ARINC 429 test and simulation products, including a four-channel 1553 PCI Express card (BU-67106K) and updated Multi-I/O 1553/429 USB Avionics Devices (BU-67102/3U). The BU-67106K is a PCI Express card with up to four dual redundant 1553 channels operating in Bus Controller (BC) or Multi Remote Terminal (RT) modes, with a concurrent Bus Monitor (MT). The card also contains software configurable bus coupling and termination options, Discrete I/Os, IRIG-B Time Code input and output and Time Tag Clock input and output. The BU-67103U Multi-I/O 1553 and ARINC 429/575 USB Avionics Device is designed for lab applications; the BU-67102U provides the same functionality in a more rugged package, DDC said. The devices are available with up to two dual redundant 1553 channels, each capable of operating in BC or Multi RT modes, with a concurrent Bus Monitor. In addition, the device contains four ARINC Receive channels, two ARINC Transmit channels, eight Digital Discrete I/Os, IRIG-B Time Code input, and one Pulse-Per-Second (PPS) output. Visit www.ddc-web.com.
HID Lights
Twin Commander Aircraft, Arlington, Wash., introduced a high-intensity discharge (HID) light system designed to replace the aircraft’s standard wing-mounted landing lights and the nose-mounted recognition lights. The lights are mounted in the recessed, covered ports used in the nose recognition light kit, and serve both as landing lights and recognition lights, the company said. One light will be aimed straight ahead; the other slightly downward for maximum visibility of the runway at night. The HID lights have an average life of 2,000 hours. Visit www.twincommander.com.
Video Card
Great River Technology, Albuquerque, N.M., introduced the Matrix PCI express 4-lane video card for high-speed ARINC 818 and Fibre Channel Audio Video (FC-AV) applications. The Matrix series cards are capable of recording or transmitting video at 500 MB/s and are built with Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA technology. The cards were created for applications including digital video recorders, simulation and engineering labs, flight-test programs and factory test equipment. The boards can be used in systems to test PFD, MFD and HUD cockpit displays; visual and infrared imaging sensors; video concentrators; and map and chart systems, Great River said. Visit www.greatrivertech.com.
Datalink TSO
The MLX770 two-way datalink transceiver from Avidyne Corp., Lincoln, Mass., received FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) C159 approval. The Avidyne MLX770 provides datalink weather services to Avidyne Entegra and EX500 equipped aircraft operating worldwide. The transceiver initially is targeted at the large, installed base of Avidyne-equipped aircraft, including more than 600 Entegra-equipped Cirrus SR20s and SR22s based in Europe. Visit www.avidyne.com.
Distribution Agreement
DAC International, of Austin, Texas, signed an exclusive distribution agreement with TracPlus USA, of Peachtree City, Ga., by which DAC will distribute the TracPlus aircraft tracking, messaging and data service. The data service complements DAC’s Gen-X electronic flight bag, and integrates tracking and messaging data from a variety of third-party tracking hardware, the companies said. Visit www.dacint.com.
EVS Distributor
FLIR Systems, of Portland, Ore., named Avionics International Supply (AIS), Denton, Texas, as a dealer for its EVS3 thermal imaging enhanced vision system (EVS). AIS is a wholesale distributor representing more than 90 manufacturers of avionics products. The EVS3 is a thermal imaging camera that allows flight crews to see in darkness and through obscurants like smog, smoke and dust. It is built specifically for general aviation and corporate aircraft. The EVS system’s high-resolution infrared detector creates real-time thermal imagery that can be displayed on any multi-function or secondary aircraft display that has an auxiliary video input. Visit www.flir.com.
AHRS STC
Cutter Aviation Technical Services, of Phoenix, was awarded a FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for modification and replacement of Attitude Heading Reference Systems in Hawker Beechcraft Beechjet 400A aircraft. The STC replaces existing Rockwell Collins dual AHS-85E units with the new Rockwell Collins AHS-3000A. Visit www.cutteraviation.com.
Power Connectors
The Compact Power Connector line from Positronic Industries, Springfield, Mo., has been expanded. New variants have been added, including a three-contact version for use in high-voltage applications. The PCIC3W3 variant is suitable for use in applications with working voltage requirements of up to 2,000 V rms (root-mean-square). Three size 16 power contacts, spaced at 7.33 mm, are rated at 32 amperes each continuous per UL1977. Contact resistance is 0.0007 ohms. The connector is available with a jackscrew locking system. The price for a mated pair is $4.40 at a quantity of 1,000 pieces, with a lead time of six to eight weeks. Visit www.connectpositronic.com.
‘Hilinx’ Connector
Amphenol-Socapex has developed a new connector, named Hilinx, using a specific S-shaped layout that enables modules to be fitted together without losing contacts from one module to another. The units are held in place by two stainless steel shells, one on each side. The shells holding the modules together and providing contact continuity are made with tolerance levels of 0.03 mm. The clip and stud fixing system ensures perfect module positioning. Stacked construction without loss of contacts ensures continuity in the contact alignments. The connector is 100 percent compatible (in the signal contact version only) with well-known aeronautical standard one-piece connectors, Amphenol-Socapex said. Visit www.amphenol-socapex.com/amphenol-home.htm.
Cockpit Accelerometer
QED/inc., of Santa Ana, Calif., introduced the E/AA Electronic/Analog Accelerometer, designed to respond accurately to all levels of acceleration input. The E/AA dial, pointers and reset are identical to the first generation accelerometer. The new system drives the dynamic pointer smoothly through the entire range, moving the pointers with an authority not found in prior instruments. The repeatability of the electrical drive system, coupled with solid-state electronics, enhance reliability and maintainability and improve user confidence in the values displayed, QED/inc. said. The instrument’s mounting holes are unchanged for easy retrofitting into existing panels and the envelope is the same as the original. Two 28 VDC wires and one ground wire for power differentiate the new E/AA from the prior mechanical accelerometer. Visit www.qedinstruments.com
Learjet 60 FMS
Universal Avionics Systems Corp., Tucson, Ariz., and Haggan Aviation, Englewood, Colo., late last year announced supplemental type certification (STC) of WAAS/SBAS flight management systems in the Learjet 60. Haggan Aviation completed the installation of dual UNS-1Fw SBAS/WAAS systems in the Learjet 60 and holds the STC. The certification includes approval for 3D coupled WAAS GPS (RNAV) approach types, including Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) procedures. These approaches require the use of GPS signals broadcast from the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), providing corrections for significantly improved position accuracy and reliability. Operators of aircraft equipped with WAAS-enabled avionics can take advantage of lower descent minima, greater airport options and improved safety in poor weather conditions. Visit www.uasc.com/home/index.asp
Wire Shop Relocation
Due to "urgent" customer retirements, Adaptive Aerospace Corp. (AAC) has relocated its wire harness manufacturing facility to California City Airport, Calif. The company’s design engineering and composite manufacturing groups remain in Old Town Tehachapi. The larger, 4,000-square-foot facility increases the capacity and the capabilities of AAC to manufacture large aircraft wire harness assemblies in greater quantities. Airport and city managers, along with local businesses, "helped greatly" in the move and adjustment of the new business at the airport. AAC is a design engineering house specializing in avionics modifications, structural upgrades and external shape changes of aircraft. The company began wire harness manufacturing and assembly work in 2006. Visit www.adaptaero.com.
Exterior LED Lights
Emteq, New Berlin, Wis., last October released a new line of exterior LED lighting products, including pylon light, wheel well light, logo light, wing inspection light, recognition light and 400 candela anti-collision light. The lights can be customized for mounting, frame finish, LED illumination direction or spread, LED color and assembly size. They can be installed as part of a type certificated production aircraft or as a retrofit program to replace heavy, less functional, non-LED systems. Visit www.emteq.com.
CPCI Card
AIM GmbH, Freiburg, Germany, introduced the PXI/CPCI 3U card designs, which implement support for the PXI instrumentation bus. The modules introduced are ACX3910-3U-1, ACX1553-3U-1/2/4 and ACX429-3U-4/8/16 for STANAG 3910/EFEX, Mil-Std-1553 and ARINC 429 applications. ACX 3U modules can be used in standard CompactPCI (3U) slots, legacy PXI slots and PXI hybrid slots, AIM said. The cards provide dual redundant STANAG 3910/EFEX channels including onboard fiber optic front-end, or up to four Mil-Std-1553 channels, or up to 16 ARINC 429 channels on a single 3U CompactPCI/PXI card. Visit www.aim-online.com.
Wireless Audio
Flight Display Systems, Alpharetta, Ga., introduced a 5-Source Wireless Audio Transmitter (FD900X5). The 28VDC compact, low-profile transmitter unit, weighing 14 ounces, produces 2.43 GHz digital signals. With five input channels for flexible audio programming, customers can use their own portable digital devices or choose other on-board audio sources in combination such as satellite radio, CD players, DVD, VCR and TV sound. The transmitter incorporates a Pilot Public Address (PA) interrupt and automatic gain control. The 5-Source Headset (FD24X5) features total ear surround, high fidelity, large speakers and wide volume range. It can be collapsed for compact storage. Visit www.flightdisplay.com.
HD Displays
Rockwell Collins introduced a line of high-definition (HD) displays for business jets. The new displays will be available this fall in a range of sizes from 15 inches to 32 inches. The HD displays will be equipped to support High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and High Definition Serial Digital Interface (HD-SDI) inputs, as well as analog inputs for applications relying on standard definition video. They will be widescreen 16:9 format. A new 15-inch display will debut on the Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350i. Visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
Avionics Lab
CAE added an avionics lab at its training center in Dallas to enhance the pilot initial training program for business aircraft operators. The lab provides hands-on training with avionics equipment, enabling clients to put into practice theory they’ve learned while receiving ground school training. Lab time will be implemented in all initial training programs for all platforms offered at the center. Visit www.cae.com.
Message Management
ARINC introduced "AeroConnx," an integrated system for onboard information management designed to streamline the delivery of operational messages to airline fleets and to automate the delivery and verification of data updates. Components of the AeroConnx system include the ARINC Content Management System, AeroSync communications service, Mobile Communications Gateway for wireless connectivity and "Program Manager," an open-source software platform that manages all types of flight applications on Electronic Flight Bag systems. Solving the problems of data distribution and management of flight-related messaging will increase efficiency and productivity and will lower operational costs for airlines, ARINC said. Visit www.arinc.com.
Portable GPS
Garmin, based in Olathe, Kan., introduced the GPSMAP 696 portable aviation navigation device. The GPSMAP 696 is a tablet-style device with a 7-inch, high-resolution, sunlight readable screen. It incorporates features of the GPSMAP 496, with new capabilities such as airways, electronic charts and expanded weather displayed on the larger screen. GPSMAP 696 includes Garmin FliteCharts, an electronic version of the FAA National Aeronautical Charting Office "U.S. Terminal Procedures" publication and a receiver for XM radio and XM WX Satellite Weather. The weather receiver provides NEXRAD, aviation routine weather reports, terminal aerodrome forecasts, temporary flight restrictions, lightning, winds aloft and turbulence forecasts. Other features found on the GPSMAP 696 include "Smart Airspace," "SafeTaxi" and AOPA Airport Directory data. Visit www.garmin.com.
‘Glass Cockpits’ DVD
Sporty’s Pilot Shop, Batavia, Ohio, released an instructional DVD, "Flying Glass Cockpits," designed to give pilots a familiarity with the integration of electronic flight instrumentation, GPS, autopilot, traffic, weather and terrain awareness in a glass cockpit environment. The DVD details three glass cockpit systems in Cessna and Cirrus aircraft. It provides an overview of Garmin’s G1000 avionics suite in the Cessna 182 and Cessna 400; Avidyne’s FlightMax Entegra in a Cirrus SR 22; and the Cirrus Perspective system by Garmin. Visit www.sportys.com.
TCAS Antenna Repair
Triumph Instruments, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has developed FAA-accepted repair station procedures to service Traffic Collision Avoidance System II (TCAS II) antennas from Rockwell Collins. The company said initial capabilities include repair of the Rockwell Collins TRE-920 family of antennas. Services will include bench test and certification; bench test, refinish and certification; repair, refinish and certification; and overhaul and certification. Triumph Instruments also has developed repair capabilities for Honeywell/Sperry, Rockwell Collins and most other flux detector brands, and is developing product support solutions for other TCAS antenna families. Triumph Instruments facilities in Fort Lauderdale and Round Rock, Texas, specialize in repair, overhaul, exchange and sales. Visit www.triumphgroup.com.
‘AX1’ AHRS
Mid-Continent Instruments, Wichita, Kan., introduced an ETSO-certified Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) — the AX1. Mid-Continent is the exclusive U.S. distributor for the AX1, which is manufactured by Axitude, of Casoria, Italy. The AX1 enables aircraft owners to select the primary flight display that meets their individual preferences or requirements. It provides primary and/or redundant attitude heading reference to glass panel retrofit installations. The system uses Kalman Filter algorithms, high stability MEMS technology and integrity monitoring. Its performance is unaffected by high vibration environments. Visit www.mcico.com.
Radio Altimeter
FreeFlight Systems, Waco, Texas, introduced the RA-4500 radio altimeter. The RA-4000 provides altitude above ground level information from 0 to 2,000 feet. It includes an ARINC 429 digital interface, consists of a remote unit and comes with dual antennas for increased accuracy. The system is designed to enhance operational safety for pilots flying approaches, for night operations and flying over irregular terrain. Visit www.freeflightsystems.com.
Digital Audio, Video
Panasonic Avionics Corp., of Lake Forest, Calif., has introduced DVD quality MPEG-4 digital audio and video media in its eX2 in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. Previous IFE systems used either the higher compression, lower quality MPEG-1 or the low compression, DVD-quality MPEG-2 standards, forcing airlines to chose between larger libraries of low quality media, or smaller libraries of high quality media, Panasonic said. The MPEG-4 standard supports a DVD-quality picture with file sizes similar to MPEG-1, allowing airline passengers to carry greater quantities of video while consuming less space and bandwidth on the system. Visit www.mascorp.com.
ECM Transmitters
dB Control, Fremont, Calif., introduced four transmitters for next-generation electronic countermeasure (ECM) systems in airborne environments up to 60,000 feet. Designed as standard aircraft microwave power sources, the units have full EMI compliance to Mil-Std-461E. The transmitters incorporate Microwave Power Module (MPM) technology to provide wide-band pulsed or continuous wave (CW) power, dB Control said. The transmitter suite includes a high-band transmitter of 6-18 GHz with 1500 W peak power at a five percent duty cycle; a high-band CW Transmitter, 6-18 GHz, 100 W CW or pulse; a dual high-band Transmitter, 6.5-18 GHz, 200 W per channel CW or pulse; a single low-band transmitter, 2-7 GHz, 200 W CW or pulse. Visit www.dbcontrol.com.
Nano Connectors
ITT Interconnect Solutions launched a family of high-density, low-profile connectors, the NDD series, targeted for applications where size and weight are limited, including avionics, aerospace and defense electronics. The NDD Series nano miniature connectors feature 0.635mm pitch contact spacing. They are capable of withstanding vibration up to 20G and shock up to 100G, and have 48-hour salt spray corrosion resistance. The NDD Series connectors meet all MIL-DTL-32139 specifications. Connectors are insulated by high temperature LCP dielectric materials. Operating temperature ranges from -55°C to +125°C. Visit www.ittcannon.com.