IFE App
Innotech Aviation, of Montreal, and Esoteric, of Irvine, Calif., introduced the SkyPad app, allowing users of Innotech’s I-Ku broadband system to use their own personal iPads as the controller of the SkyPad luxury in-flight entertainment system (IFE).
SkyPad entertainment and cabin control system is integrated with the iPad and Ku-Band Internet. The system combines audio/video compression and distribution technology with cloud computing, and provides a complete system for content loading, management and playback. The SkyPad system can be installed as a stand-alone media system on any aircraft or integrated with any current high-speed satellite system and wireless router. Visit www.esoteric.aero.
Test Sets
AAI Test & Training, based in Hunt Valley, Md., introduced its new Multi-Spectral Test Sets (MSTS), designed to test ultraviolet and infrared missile warning systems, including hostile fire indication, as well as radar and laser warning systems, allowing operators to confidently validate the operational status of installed electronic combat systems.
The MSTS can be programmed for confidence testing aboard any airborne, ground-based or maritime vehicle. In addition, the Multi-Spectral Test Sets’ design addresses the needs of both existing and fielded systems, as well as anticipated future systems, providing a forward-reaching capability to maximize value, according to the company.
The product line includes a Data Bus Recorder/Analyzer, Radio Frequency Handheld Transmitter and Electro-Optic/Infrared/Laser Handheld Transmitter. Each transmitter can be utilized independently, or integrated to create a complete multi-spectral test capability. Visit www.aaicorp.com.
Manufacturing Capability
Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems (CWCES) announced new additions to the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) capabilities provided at its Littleton, Mass., business operation.
To better serve its military, aerospace, defense, medical and industrial customers, CWCES added new flying probe test equipment and Automated Optical Inspection equipment to its in-house development, test and manufacturing capabilities. Visit www.cwcelectronicsystems.com.
Hot Spot Tracking
ARINC Direct has added new Hot Spot Tracking capability to its popular SwiftBroadband Internet service for corporate and charter jets, which allows real-time tracking of in-flight Internet usage, as well as real-time purchase of Internet connectivity in flight.
The ARINC system promises to simplify cost allocation among corporate departments or among multiple individuals using today’s popular “hot spot” connectivity in the cabins of business aircraft, according to the company.
No onboard technology is required to activate ARINC Direct Hot Spot Tracking, which is implemented in software on the ground. The feature is available immediately to customers of ARINC Direct SwiftBroadband Internet service.
The in-flight Internet purchase capability allows onboard users to buy megabyte “blocks” of Internet connectivity using a credit card. ARINC technology on the ground provides real-time credit card verification, and the user sees an on-screen display that keeps track of account usage during the flight. Visit www.arinc.com.
EASA Validation
Garmin, of Olathe, Kan., received EASA validation of the U.S. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of its Electronic Stability and Protection (ESP) and Iridium datalink in G1000-equipped King Air 200s and B200s.
Garmin ESP is an electronic monitoring and exceedance correcting technology for Garmin integrated flight decks. The STC also includes approval for Garmin’s Iridium-based transceiver, the GSR 56, which gives access to worldwide weather that informs pilots of METARs, TAFs and winds aloft around the globe. RADAR, satellite imagery, lightning, SIGMET and AIRMET data is also available in select countries throughout Europe. Visit www.garmin.com.
Autopilot Approval
Avidyne Corp., based in Lincoln, Mass., received Technical Standard Order (TSO) and Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval of the DFC90 autopilot for Entegra-equipped Piper PA-46 Matrix and Mirage aircraft, as well as TSO and STC approval of the DFC100 autopilot for Release 9 (R9)-equipped Piper PA-46 Matrix aircraft.
The attitude-based DFC90 is a plug-and-play replacement for the existing rate-based STEC55X autopilot currently used in Entegra-equipped PA-46 Matrixes and Mirages. The Mirage certification is the first in which the DFC90 is using dual Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Air Data & Attitude Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) inputs. The Matrix has a single-PFD/ADAHRS configuration, the company said. Visit www.avidyne.com.
429 Bus USB
mbs Electronic Systems GmbH, based in Starnberg, Germany, introduced ÆSyBus-CAN429-USB, a combination of ARINC 429 and CAN 2.0A/B on a single USB-device.
The device includes a total of up to four transmit and eight receive ARINC 429 channels and two CAN 2.0A/B and four additional 28V/Open/GND discretes in a ruggedized self-powered USB 2.0 device.
It can be used in databus analysis, operational databus gateway and test-infrastructure gateway applications, according to the company. Visit www.mbs-electronics.com.
RTOS Upgrade
Green Hills Software, based in Santa Barbara, Calif., announced a release of its INTEGRITY real-time operating system. INTEGRITY 11 includes performance, communication and ease-of-use features that address the demanding requirements of next-generation sophisticated embedded systems, according to the company.
Among the enhancements are optimized communications mechanism called GIPC, additional RFCs and capabilities, such as ECMP (Equal Cost Multi-Path) routing and new resource management middleware. Visit www.ghs.com.
Auto Power STC
West Star Aviation, based in Grand Junction, Colo., received FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for the installation of the Safe Flight Instrument Corporation Auto Power System in Proline 21-equipped Hawker jets. The AutoPower System is available for in service Pro Line 21-equipped Hawker 800XP, 850XP, 750, 900 and 800XPr models.
West Star conducted the flight testing for the AutoPower System and shortly after, forged an agreement with Hawker Beechcraft for the distribution and installation of the AutoPower System. Under the terms of the agreement with Hawker Beechcraft, all installations for the AutoPower System will be completed exclusively by either West Star or a Hawker Beechcraft Service facility.
The AutoPower System for the Hawker 800 series provides thrust management during takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, approach, maneuver, landing and go-around. Visit www.weststaraviation.com.
Web Installation
MSP Aero, a FAA repair station based in Minneapolis, has received certification to offer Aircell’s Gogo Biz in-flight Internet service on G200s.
The system, which delivers high-speed in-flight Internet for passenger devices at speeds of up to 3 Mbps, includes 11 pounds of hardware and two 2.5-pound antennas. Visit www.mspaero.com.
Connector
TE Connectivity added a six-row configuration to its Fortis Zd connector family. Well suited to C4ISR applications requiring high-speed, compact and lightweight connectivity in rugged environments, the new six-row connectors can be used in such space-constrained applications as UAVs, satellites and man-portable systems, according to the company.
Supporting two differential pairs per row, the connectors are available with 10 or 20 columns — for up to 40 signal pairs. Fortis Zd connectors support data rates of 12+ Gb/s. Visit www.te.com.
1553 Development Kit
Data Device Corp. (DDC), based in Bohemia, N.Y., unveiled a hardware/software development kit that provides engineers with time and cost saving design tools to quickly implement a Mil-Std-1553 board system using the company’s Total-AceXtreme interface system.
The kit includes the design documentation, simulation models and software below to develop specific MIL-STD-1553 boards and applications. Visit www.ddc-web.com.
Internet STC
Associated Air Center, StandardAero’s large transport category, VIP aircraft completions center in Dallas, received FAA supplemental type certification (STC) for the installation of an Aircell ATG-5000 wireless Internet system on a Boeing 757-200.
This certification, which was achieved in cooperation between Associated Air Center (AAC) and the StandardAero Springfield, Ill., facility, also resulted in STC approval and installation of the ATG-5000 wireless internet on several other Boeing Business Jets.
The 757-200 is owned by MLW Aviation, of Dallas, and operated by Elan Express, also of Dallas. Visit www.standardaero.com.
Simulator Approval
CAE, based in Montreal, received FAA Level D regulatory approval for its Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350 Pro Line 21 full-flight simulator (FFS) installed at CAE SimuFlite, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Texas. With the approval, the system is ready for pilot training. The CAE 5000 Series FFS includes CAE Tropos-6000 image generators, more than 200 CAE True Airport databases and a liquid crystal on silicon visual display. Visit www.cae.com.
Cloud Software
Flight Display Systems, of Alpharetta, Ga., introduced its Cloud CMS Support Software, designed to allow users to troubleshoot, upgrade or modify all aspects of the cabin management system.
The launch customer for Cloud CMS Support is a Gulfstream GIV, serial number 1302, operated for a private owner by Gulf Coast Aviation in Houston, Texas. A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) number ST03786AT-D was granted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a complete Cabin Management System by Flight Display Systems.
The Cloud CMS Support Software is available starting today, free of charge, to all new customers of the Select CMS from Flight Display Systems.
Visit www.flightdisplay.com.
Roll Steering Feature
Sandel Avionics, based in Vista, Calif., received FAA technical standard order (TSO) certification for a roll steering software upgrade in its 3-ATI SN3500 and 4-ATI SN4500 Primary Navigation Displays.
The pilot-selectable feature works with an aircraft’s autopilot or flight director and compatible GPS or FMS unit to automatically make smooth, hands-off turns while flying a sequence of GPS waypoints, according to the company. The roll steering function requires field loading software but no wiring or modification to existing SN3500/SN4500 installations. The new roll steering function also flies holding patterns, GPS approach entries and other maneuvers not supported by standard autopilot tracking modes.
Sandel said its SN3500 and SN4500 Primary Navigation Displays are upgradeable electronic horizontal situation indicator systems that are compatible with virtually all digital and analog aircraft. Visit www.sandel.com.