The EFC900X Developed For Evolution Aircraft
Lancair International has rolled out a new avionics suite for
the Evolution Aircraft. Equipped since its inception with Garmin
Avionics centered around the G900X system, the only thing missing
was the integrated flight control provided by the certified GFC 700
Autopilot. Now, for the first time in the experimental market, this
level of autopilot is available in the Evolution by Lancair. The
G900X is now integrated with the GFC 7X autopilot for experimental
use, resulting in the EFC900X Avionics Suite, exclusively for the
Evolution.
The EFC900X suite features roll, pitch and yaw control,
automatic pitch trim, flight director capability and symbology on
the PFD, and integrated auto pilot control buttons on the G900X PFD
and MFD’s. The addition of the Garmin GFC 7X autopilot to the
Evolution provides excellent stability and control, responding to
Garmin’s solid state Attitude and Heading Reference System
(AHRS) data to smoothly maneuver the aircraft by commanding
attitude, altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and heading. It will
control the aircraft in pre-programmed VNAV descent profiles,
automated Takeoff/Go-Around procedures and it is fully enabled for
WAAS guidance capability to fly coupled GPS-only LPV approaches.
The EFC900X Avionics Suite can automatically fly any procedure
published in the navigation database, including holds, procedure
turns, arcs, and missed approaches.
To further enhance the EFC900X suite, Lancair has also selected
as standard equipment the L-3 Avionics Systems Trilogy ESI-2000
Electronic Standby Instrument, an advanced solid state standby
instrument that makes the truly “all glass” cockpit
possible. It displays attitude, airspeed, and (optional) heading
data in a layout that closely matches the PFD. The result is a
fully integrated TSO’d digital panel that includes all backup
information required for safe flight. More than a secondary source
of flight data, the “mirror image” of the flight data
provided by the PFD enables pilots to make a smooth transition to
the backup presentation in an emergency or to quickly spot a
mismatch between systems. Emergency operation in the event of an
electrical failure is achieved through the use of high energy
density lithium-ion technology. The ESI is designed to supply
usable flight data for three to four hours on battery power,
depending on temperature. In the event of emergency use, the system
will re-charge from the aircraft system when able. The EFC900X
Avionics Suite will be standard on all Evolutions ordered after
July 18, 2011.
Lancair indicated that the new autopilot and Standby instrument
only increased the price by $50,000. Lancair said they have sold 38
kits as of today with 10 flying. 1-2 per month are being completed
by owners/builders. Lancair also indicated that they are offering
complete support to owners from their headquarters since all of the
planes have tightly controlled avionics and systems. Unlike other
kit planes, the owner/builder gets a complete kit with all of the
tough decisions and integration completed. The price of the kit
also in the 2 week build assistance and 3 days initial flight
training and first year recurring training. All the owner/builder
has to add is the paint and interior choices.