Aspen Avionics, based in Albuquerque, N.M., received FAA Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval of Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) for Evolution Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and Multi-function Flight Displays (MFD). Evolution Synthetic Vision is enabled by Software Version 2.4.x, which will be available upon Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval. FAA STC approval of ESV is imminent and shipment availability is expected to be mid-September, according to the company. This field-loadable software upgrade is now available through Aspen’s authorized dealer network.
“Aspen’s industry-leading high-resolution display renders a crisp, clear, easy-to-read synthetic vision view that works very well with our display format. Customers who fly with Evolution Synthetic Vision will be impressed by the wealth of information that can be interpreted at a glance,” says Brad Hayden, Aspen’s vice president of marketing. “Like the entire Evolution system, Aspen’s synthetic vision provides a level of flexibility not found in competing offerings.”
Evolution Synthetic Vision includes 3-D terrain and obstacles, unusual attitude guidance, distance line and range marker, 3-D dynamic traffic display (with optionalsensors and EHA software), flight path marker and flight director symbology. These display elements are all designed to interact dynamically and intuitively to give the pilot the most accurate positional and situational awareness. It will also include built-in Terrain Warning System (TWS).
The initial release of ESV will cover the continental United States. ESV coverage for the rest of the world will be available later this year. The initial release of ESV for Class III and Helicopter customers will also occur later this year and will be available on the MFD. ESV display on the level B PFD is expected to be released late 2012.