Editor's Note

New Products

By Jonathan Ray | October 1, 2011
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Rugged Display

Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing unveiled the latest addition to its Skyquest family of video displays, the new ALPHA Series of rugged displays for deployed airborne platforms.

This initial launch comprises of two display configurations, a 15-inch and a 10.4-inch unit, each with identical functionality and options. These products are known as the ALPHA-3800-01 and the ALPHA-2600-01, respectively.

Both of these new displays support a 1024 x 768 (XGA) resolution and feature numerous I/O options for compatibility with the wide range of EO turrets, cameras, moving maps and PCs, according to the company.

Additional features include high brightness display, standard HD input, optional Night Vision Goggle filter with dual LED backlight and optional touchscreen with USB interface to a PC, Curtiss-Wright said.

Visit www.cwcontrols.com.

Fiber-Optic Backbone

TE Connectivity introduced the Fiber To The Screen (FTTS) fiber-optic backbone and interconnect scheme for in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems. The system allows the most efficient installation, which in turn lowers the revenue loss from time out of service, according to the company.

TE partnered with Lumexis, a developer and manufacturer of in-flight entertainment and communications systems, to develop the fiber-optic technology.

The FTTS system combines industry standard ARINC 801 fiber-optic interfaces with a flexible routing approach that allows room for growth, while ensuring long-term affordability through the lower installation and applied costs, and also provides the highest bandwidth available in the market, according to TE.

Visit www.te.com.

AHRS Certification

The Rockwell Collins AHS-4000 Attitude and Reference Heading System (AHRS) has been certified on the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen aircraft.

Rockwell Collins said its AHRS features a solid-state, gyro-based design that is not subject to magnetic abnormalities associated with flux valves and eliminates the need to perform compass swings. Other features include low-power fiber-optic gyro and triple-axis MEMS accelerometers, multiple modes of operation, analog synchro interface and enhanced fault isolation.

Visit www.rockwellcollins.com.

Aircraft Data Partnership

AvConnect, of Denver, has established a partnership with Aspen Avionics, of Albuquerque, N.M., to launch the Connected Panel system, which integrates AvConnect’s wireless iPad application and Aspen’s certified aircraft panel avionics to capture real-time aircraft performance and flight data.

The Aircraft Manager for iPad by AvConnect will work directly with Connected Pilot, Aspen’s first Connected Panel product. AvConnect’s cloud-based services will organize, manage and populate flight data into a customer’s account, and disseminate that information to fleet or service managers. AvConnect’s iPad application also works in or out of network coverage, allowing pilots to manage their data right from the cockpit. Once a pilot is on the ground, any new information collected from Connected Pilot will be available immediately, and will automatically sync with their web-based account. Visit www.aspenavionics.com.

IMU Chip

InterSense, based in Billerica Mass., introduced NavChip, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on a chip.

The company said NavChip can be integrated into small, unmanned aerial vehicles to assist with autonomous navigation and stabilization. It also allows for the miniaturization of camera and antenna stabilization systems in both fixed and mobile applications.

Enabling advanced inertial navigation applications, including GPS/INS integration previously limited to higher-end systems, NavChip is a high-performance, enabling sensor technology that is available in the smallest possible form factor, according to the company.

Visit www.intersense.com.

1553/429 Board

Data Device Corp. (DDC), based in Bohemia, N.Y., introduced a Mil-Std-1553 and ARINC 429 board, designed for applications that do not have a standard backplane, but have a USB port in the system.

Its small size, light weight and durable construction make the BU-67102UX1 USB Mil-Std-1553/ARINC 429 board an ideal solution for use in flight instrumentation applications, small displays, situational awareness systems, portable rugged laptops and tablets and other small systems that do not have a standard slot, according to the company.

Visit www.ddc-web.com.

TTP Product Line

TTTech, of Vienna, Austria, announced the availability of a high-speed 20 Mbit/s time-triggered protocol (TTP) product line compliant to SAE AS6003 standard. TTTech said it has combined the existing and mature TTP controller with a faster RS-485 physical layer to build high-speed TTP integrated product solutions.

TTP controllers support communication at 20 Mbit/s and effectively fill the gap between 100 Mbit/s avionics Ethernet networks and existing avionics fieldbuses. TTTech said it has developed DO-254 middleware layer to allow easy migration from previous databuses to TTP-based systems.

Visit www.tttech.com.

Power Supply

Dawn VME Products, based in Freemont, Calif., introduced PSC-6234, a VITA-62 compliant, six-channel 3U VPX power supply with VITA 62 power connector pin-out and full OpenVPX support.

It is designed for mission critical applications to operate over a wide range of temperatures at high power levels. Plug-in or bulkhead mounted models are available for air cooled, conduction to bulkhead cooled and conduction to wedge lock cooled applications and configurations, the company said.

The design provides up to 400 watts output on a 1-inch pitch and is extended shock and vibration compliant per Mil-Std-810F. Custom power capacity and voltage input range configurations are available. The PSC-6234 is current share compatible with additional PSC-6234 units.

The PSC-6234 front I/O panel includes an LED status indicator, a USB port for field firmware upgrades and VBAT battery access for support of the VPX memory backup power bus.

Visit www.dawnvme.com.

Remote Transponder

Garmin, of Olathe, Kan., introduced the GTX 23 ES remote transponder, a remote-mounted Mode-S extended squitter (ES) transponder for experimental and light sport aircraft (LSA). The GTX 23 ES is designed for use with the G3X glass cockpit, Garmin’s flight display designed exclusively for the experimental and LSA market.

The GTX 23 ES remote transponder delivers 250 watts of power output, auto standby and Traffic Information Services interface. Using GPS-referenced positioning information, the extended squitter technology in the GTX 23 ES positions it for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast compliance, the company said.

The GTX 23 ES interfaces with the G3X display, a customizable display combination that features one, two or three all-glass displays, magnetometer, combined air data and AHRS unit and engine monitoring.

Visit www.garmin.com.

Mobile Maps

Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen offers delivery of Express JeppView digital charting services through multiple platforms, including multi-function display (MFD) avionics systems such as Garmin, Avidyne and EuroAvionics and portable devices from Garmin and SOLIDFX. Express JeppView is also available on iPad, using the Jeppesen Mobile TC App or the newly introduced Jeppesen Mobile FliteDeck App with enroute capabilities.

Express JeppView services from Jeppesen provide general aviation and small business customers with smaller chart coverage regions. Full functionality of the industry-leading Jeppesen Mobile TC and Mobile FliteDeck Apps for iPad is available for the general aviation market at no additional charge with an Express JeppView subscription.

Visit www.jeppesen.com.

Network Appliance

GE Intelligent Platforms, based in Charlottesville, Va., introduced the daq8580 rugged streaming network appliance, designed in response to the growing requirement for unmanned vehicles to capture, process and transmit increasing quantities of video information at increasing resolutions.

The first customer for the daq8580 is the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, working in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to be installed onboard the Northrop Grumman Global Hawk UAS to conduct atmospheric research. The daq8580 video compression platform will ingest high bandwidth, high resolution video streams from Global Hawk’s on-board sensors and compress the data by factors as much as 100:1, according to the company.

It measures 10.1 inches long and 7.3 inches deep, weighs 5 pounds and consumes 25 watts of power. GE said it is highly resistant to the shock, vibration and other hostile characteristics typical of deployment in an unmanned vehicle. Its 28V power supply is designed to meet Mil-Std-704E and Mil-Std1275B.

The system can acquire two parallel streams of HD (1,920 by 1,080) at 30 frames/second or up to four channels of standard definition video. It can also support DVI or VGA modes up to 2,048 by 2,048 pixels. It then processes these streams using an Altera Arria II GX FPGA combined with Texas Instruments media processors. The video streams are encoded to the H.264 industry standard prior to transmission.

Visit www.ge-ip.com.

Small UAS

AeroVironment, based in Monrovia, Calif., introduced man-portable Shrike VTOL unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The company said the UAS was developed under a DARPA contract, awarded in 2008, to develop a portable, stealthy, persistent perch and stare UAS.

Shrike weighs about 5 pounds, is small enough to fit in a backpack and has the capability to hover for more than 40 minutes, the company said.

Visit www.avinc.com.

Scheduling Interface

Navtech, of Toronto, enhanced its crew scheduling and bidding web interface for use with smart phones and tablet computers. Recent changes to the web interface have made it more finger friendly, allowing the users to easily navigate around the system, according to the company. The enhancements can be viewed on multiple devices and operating systems, including Android devices and iPads.

The PBS Web Bidder integrates with the Scheduler counterpart to create a customized training, flying and reserve schedule that satisfies management’s operational needs and crew members’ flying preferences.

The PBS Scheduler gives administrators the ability to manage all of the information pertaining to crew members and the bid period, and then balances it against important details such as the airline’s rules, the seniority of the individual crew members, details for the bid period and more.

Visit www.navtech.aero.

PCIe Module

AIM, based in Freiburg, Germany, introduced APE1553-x, a PCIe module for Mil-Std-1553 test applications.

The module offers up to four dual redundant Mil-Std-1553A/B streams on one PCIe card. It uses a field programmable gate array with integrated PCI-Express bus (2.5Gb/s rates) and IRIG-B Time Encoder/Decoder.

Full function versions concurrently act as Bus Controller, Multiple Remote Terminals (31), Chronological Bus Monitor/ Mailbox Bus Monitor. Single function or Simulator only versions are also available as are extended temperature range versions. Other features include full Mil-Std-1553A/B Protocol Error Injection/Detection (AS4112/ 4111 compliant), multi level Triggering and Filtering, Real Time Recording and Physical Bus Replay.

The APE1553-x also integrates eight avionics-level, general purpose discrete I/O signals that can be used to generate strobe outputs or to sample external digital inputs as well as hardware in- and outputs.

Visit www.aim-online.com.

STC Amendment

Pro Star Aviation, based in Londonderry, N.H., received approval for an amendment to its FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) to enable the L-3 Communications GH-3100 Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS) to independently display magnetic heading without relying on the existing magnetic heading source.

The amendment also adds an Emergency Bus option for the helicopters with Rockwell Collins VHF communications and navigation equipment.

The original STC, approved in 2008, included the installation of a GH-3100 and optional Emergency Bus with Honeywell VHF communications and navigation equipment in the Sikorsky S-76A, S-76B and S-76C model rotorcraft.

The GH-3100 has an integrated air data sensor card with pitot and static connections directly to the unit, which eliminates the need for a remote mounted air data computer. An Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Display allows for readability in direct sunlight as well as dark cockpit environments.

Visit www.prostaraviation.com.

Airborne Communications

ViaSat, of Carlsbad, Calif., has been selected by Bombardier Aerospace to provide airborne communications terminal equipment as part of a new high-speed Internet option on Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft.

The Bombardier option combines the ViaSat VMT-1500 shipset along with the EMS Aviation CNX-200 router to provide an office-in-the-sky connection for business aviation passengers.

Yonder airborne broadband service provides Global aircraft passengers full Internet connections, Virtual Private Network, e-mail with attachments via laptops, voice-over IP and the use of other Wi-Fi devices. Yonder service provides typical download speeds to aircraft of 1 Mbps to 2 Mbps and upload from the aircraft speeds of more than 128 kbps.

Visit www.viasat.com.

IFEC System

TriaGnoSys, based in Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany, and Siemens CMT launched IFEConneX, an in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) system. It incorporates an entertainment and media distribution system into the TriaGnoSys in-flight GSM solution, GSMConneX, which was launched in April 2011. The lightweight modular system provides three services: GSM, WLAN and wireless streaming of IFE content, enabling jet operators to combine the three services, according to the company.

IFEConneX enables passengers to use their own mobile phone, tablet or laptop for calls, text messaging, e-mail, web connectivity and for Audio and Video On Demand. The system can stream content to up to 100 passengers simultaneously.

IFEConneX extends TriaGnoSys’ business jet solution AeroBTS+, an integrated server and GSM base station. Software configuration options include the GSM service alone, GSM plus IFE, GSM plus Wi-Fi or all three services. Also, Wi-Fi and Wireless IFE can be installed without GSM, while retaining the option to upgrade.

The airborne hardware for the system can be mounted within the ceiling panel. For external connectivity, it connects to the aircraft’s existing communications system, and can be used over any radio link, including SwiftBroadband, Ku-band, Ka-band and direct air-to-ground links, the company said.

Visit http://triagnosys.com.

Cockpit Displays

Avidyne Corp., based in Lincoln, Mass., introduced a line of panel-mounted, plug-and-play avionics for general aviation aircraft. Avidyne’s new avionics stack includes the IFD540 FMS/GPS/navigation/communication system with a touch-screen user interface, the AMX240 stereo sudio panel with Marker Beacon, the AXP340 Mode S Extended Squitter Transponder and the attitude-based DFC90 Digital Autopilot.

The IFD540 is a plug-and-play replacement for the GNS530 series navigators, the AMX240 is a plug-and-play replacement for the GMA340 and PMA8000 series audio panels, the AXP340 is a plug-and-play replacement for existing KT76A/KT78A transponders and the DFC90 is currently certified as a plug-and-play replacement for the STEC55X autopilot.

Visit www.avidyne.com.

Distributor Agreement

EADS North America Test and Services, based in Irvine, Calif., reached an agreement with DynamicSignals LLC, of Lockport, Ill., to be the exclusive distributor of its KineticSystems brand in the United States. The KineticSystems modular, high-density dynamic test instruments complement the vibration test products currently offered by EADS North America Test and Services, the company said.

EADS said the KineticSystems products will augment EADS North America Test and Services’ offerings in diverse test platforms such as cPCI/PXI, VXI and CAMAC; in the areas of vibration, strain, temperature and pressure test; and in data acquisition. They will be incorporated into the company’s automatic test stations as well as sold to existing customers as stand-alone products or for integration into their test stations.

Visit http://ts.eads-na.com.

Hypervisor

Wind River, of Alameda, Calif., extended architecture support for its embedded hypervisor, which is designed to help companies consolidate systems and adopt virtualization and multi-core technology in embedded devices. Hypervisors enable the migration of existing capabilities from legacy net-centric operations programs onto next-generation platforms, enabling wider integration and preserving program investment, according to the company.

Wind River Hypervisor extends its hardware architecture support to include ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore, providing companies with the ability to run real-time applications alongside human machine interface (HMI) applications. Additionally, new support for Microsoft Windows 7 allows customers to achieve workload consolidation by running real-time applications alongside graphics-rich HMI software. It provides the guaranteed separation and isolation on ARM, Intel and Freescale’s QorIQ, and lays the foundation for running functions requiring safety certification by government and regulatory bodies (e.g., IEC-61508), and/or security certified workloads alongside other workloads.

Visit www.windriver.com.

Safety System

Baldwin Aviation Safety & Compliance, based in Hilton Head, S.C., launched SMSace, a safety program designed specifically for light business aircraft.

The company said SMSace offers a standardized business operations manual that is the foundation for a typical one aircraft/one pilot operation safety management system. The system allows users to develop a network among similar aircraft type owners, analyzing their data and combining them with resources from the National Business Aviation Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and standardized Baldwin risk assessments and safety reports.

Visit www.BaldwinAviation.com.

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