|
Technology update
Advanced multifunction displays
-
The EGPWS "Terrain Warning" is showing on the message bar of the FlightMax 850, and one push of the "Enter" button immediately switches the display to the EGPWS presentation.
|
To increase flight safety with improved situational awareness, Avidyne Corp. has developed its third in a series of flight situation displays, the FlightMax 850. The display interfaces with Collins WXR 250/270/270A/300 and Bendix RDR 1100, 1200, and 1300 radar systems. In addition, FlightMax 850 interfaces with Honeywell's enhanced ground proximity warning system by providing a full color plan view terrain display.
While maintaining the radar's existing functionality, the Avidyne unit also Stormscope. It also interfaces to traffic alert and collision avoidance system and BFGoodrich Skywatch traffic advisory system sensors.
The company has also announced a new capability for its FlightMax 850, 740, and 440 systems, which will enable them to display Echo Flight weather information when interfaced with Echo Flight's satellite datalink transceiver. The Echo Flight satellite datalink transceiver uses ORBCOMM's constellation of 35 low-Earth orbit satellites that operate in the VHF range providing bidirectional data and messaging. Other data- link services will include NexRad images, storm cell vectors, METARS, icing, turbulence, satellite imagery, position reports, and email.
The FlightMax 850 shows an approach 10 mi outside of Aspen, CO.
|
"Datalink capability is essential to the future of advanced cockpit systems and we are very excited to be at the forefront in bringing this technology to general aviation," said Dan Schwinn, President and CEO of Avidyne. "Datalinked text and graphical weather products are just the first steps. The ability to transfer information to and from the cockpit opens up tremendous possibilities for increasing the safety and utility of general aviation aircraft."
Frank Bokulich
Aerospace Engineering May 2000
|
|
