Pitot Probes
SpaceAge Control, Palmdale, Calif., released its 4207 pitot and pitot-static probes, designed specifically for the unique needs of small- and mid-sized aircraft. The 4207 probes have low power requirements, small size and low mass. Today’s smaller aircraft have much larger electrical power requirements due to increased avionics and other systems. But, smaller engines and space constraints cause avionics engineers to rigorously analyze the "power budget" for their systems. The 4207 probes significantly reduce the impact of air data systems on the aircraft’s power budget. SpaceAge Control said the pitot probe line is one of the first to enter into qualification against the more demanding FAA TSO C16a specification that increases de-icing requirements. Visit www.spaceagecontrol.com.
Cabin Signage
STG Aerospace Inc., of Miami, the U.S. subsidiary of STG Aerospace of the United Kingdom, is applying the photoluminescent technology of its SafTGlo floorpath marking strips to unpowered cabin signage. STG Aerospace said the SafTGlo TR signs (TR for Tritium Replacement) will significantly undercut the costs of radioactive Tritium signs and are certified across all commercial aircraft. Over the life of an aircraft, SafTGlo TR could save operators up to $4,000 per sign. Originally developed as a progression sign for class dividers and bulkheads, SafTGlo TR won a generic supplemental type certification for progression signage on all commercial aircraft. EASA approvals have been secured to cover 65 commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380. Visit www.stgaerospace.com.
Tech Partnership
Rosen Aviation, Eugene, Ore., established a technology partnership with Heads Up Technologies, Carrollton, Tex., a manufacturer of receivers for XM Satellite Radio weather and audio services. The partnership provides XM WX Satellite Weather capability to Rosen’s RosenView LXM moving map and passenger briefing system. The RosenView LXM is applicable to corporate jets equipped with an XM satellite antenna, a Heads Up receiver and XM satellite subscription. With this combination of equipment, XM WX Satellite Weather service is delivered by XM for continental United States destinations. Visit www.heads-up.com.
Mixed Density PCS
Positronic Industries, Springfield, Mo., expanded its PCS series with mixed density contact variants. The offering combines size 8 power contacts and size 20 signal/power contacts in a single housing. The mixed density PCS conforms to U.L. requirements for 300 V.A.C. applications. The size 8 power contacts have a resistance as low as 0.0003 ohms and can carry up to 85 amps per U.L. 1977. Features include high current density, crimp contact and printed board mount terminations. Visit www.connectpositronic.com.
Moving Map Software
Approach Systems Corp., Orem, Utah, released its APIC MPA, a productized version of APIC with GPS-based Moving Map and Map related features. APIC MAP and all 28-day updates are free. Downloads of the software and the updates are available on Approach Systems’ Web site. APIC MAP provides sectional color depiction, terrain warning/depiction, complete geographic data, flight planning, route tracking/Google Earth and XM Weather Overlay. APIC MAP works with Microsoft Windows XP, VISTA Tablet PC versions and Pocket 2003, Mobile 5.0 PDA versions. Visit www.approach-systems.com.
EMI Filters
Spectrum Control, Fairview, Pa., released its commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) single line feed-thru EMI filters. The filters are offered in both AC and DC models with customizing options available. Spectrum’s commercial equivalent, high current feed-thru series filter up to 500 Amps with an attenuation of 4-90dB from 1Mhz to 1GHz and voltage ratings of 130VDC and 250VAC. The DC models have C and Pi configurations with Class Y4 capacitors. The AC models have C and Pi configurations with Class Y2 capacitors. Both the AC and DC series feature a rugged, bolt-in style with a D-shaped bushing for easy installation. Visit www.specemc.com.
Accelerometers
Jewell Instruments, Manchester, N.H., released its LSM Series Accelerometer, described as ideal for a variety of aerospace applications. The accelerometer, which is about the size of a 1-inch cube, has an input range from +/- 0.5g to +/-20.0g and has bandwidths (-3db) from 70 to 160 Hz. The LSM Series is ideal for use in satellite motion sensing, radar leveling, fire control, altitude heading and reference systems, missile orientation and autopilot applications, the company said. Visit www.jewellinstruments.com.
AWOS Sensor
Vaisala Group, Helsinki, Finland, received FAA approval for its Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) IV. With the certification of its freezing rain sensor, Vaisala said it is the first manufacturer to receive FAA AWOS IV approval. The freezing rain sensor provides real-time, fully automated reporting of freezing precipitation. The sensor is designed to measure the intensity and duration of freezing rain occurrences. In addition to reporting freezing rain, the AWOS IV is equipped to provide current altimeter setting, temperature, dew point, wind speed and direction, visibility, present weather, cloud height and sky condition, thunderstorm detection and runway surface condition. Visit www.vaisala.com.
Mil-Std-1553 Card
Alta Data Technologies, Rio Rancho, N.M., introduced a quad channel Mil-Std-1553 card, the PMC-1553, to its line of avionics interfaces. The PMC-1553 card is built around Alta’s advanced FPGA protocol engine, AltaCore, and is designed to reduce CPU overhead of process and control of 1553 communications. New features for Bus Controller functions include variable framing and subframing, message scheduling with IMGs or frame offset and flexible message branching. The card supports multiple Remote Terminal functions and chronological and mailbox (RT Map) monitoring. AltaCore provides full hardware playback, and a signal generator to allow detailed bit shaping for validation test support. All messages are time tagged with 64-bit, 20 nsec values and all gap times are highly accurate 100 nsec, 32/64-bit values. Models are available in Single Function BC-PB-SG/Monitor and mRT/Monitor, and Full Function BC-PB-SG/mRT/Monitor. Visit www.altadt.com.
In-Flight Payment
ARINC, Annapolis, Md., introduced "SkyBuy," described as the first complete in-flight payment and inventory control system designed for passenger cabin sales by airlines, caterers and onboard retailers. ARINC said the system combines the MDT In-Flight sales application of Rosemont, Ill.-based Abanco LLC with its wireless technology. SkyBuy wirelessly automates retail sales while it streamlines inventory tracking. The ARINC Mobile Communications Gateway (MCG) collects the sales data on board and wirelessly downloads data at each airport. Sales devices remain on board while the airline achieves real-time inventory tracking. The MCG provides USB charging ports to keep airline sales devices charged. Visit www.arinc.com.
Switch Panels
Rockwell Collins, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, released a line of Software Programmable Switch Panels. The panels will provide business jet passengers more user-friendly control over the cabin, while giving aircraft manufacturers an efficient, standard part that serves many applications, Rockwell Collins said. The new product line will be available in the summer of 2008. The switch panels offer an icon-based means for passengers to access and control cabin amenities and services. Also, when accompanied by Rockwell Collins’ Media Center device with moving map, the panels offer integrated real-time flight information, such as time to destination and ground speed, the company said. The panels provide cabin environmental settings, entertainment source control and audio/video source selection, including Media Center devices, DVD Players, XM Radio receivers, satellite TV and cameras. Visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
IFE Data Collection
Panasonic Avionics, Lake Forest, Calif., released its PAXUS 2.0, an information system for in-flight data collection and analysis. Panasonic said the service allows airlines to manage and understand passenger usage patterns. In the last two years, the PAXUS (PAX Usage & Statistics) service has captured more than 20 million in-flight entertainment usage logs. Combined with Panasonic’s cell modem, PAXUS 2.0 enables airlines to review and analyze detailed reports of their passenger’s system and content usage through a secure Web portal. Also, available Web-based reports can be filtered, real-time, such as route, airplane type, class of service or media genre, Panasonic said. Visit www.mascorp.com.