Authorized Aspen Dealers Can Update Evolution Flight Displays
With Field Upgrade Kit
Aspen Avionics announced Thursday that it has released its
Version 2.0 software upgrade kit to its dealers, allowing them to
immediately begin upgrading EFD1000 Primary Flight Displays in the
field to the new software level. The update is provided to dealers
via a field upgrade kit from Aspen that includes a Secure Digital
(microSD) card that quickly loads Evolution Flight Displays with
new software updates and optional performance packages. The 2.0
software upgrade kit is free from Aspen Avionics, and any
authorized Aspen dealer can perform the upgrades.
The entire Evolution line of Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) and
Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) is based on the same software
platform, so improvements made in functionality and compatibility
can be applied across all Evolution products in the cockpit. The
development of the recently released Evolution MFD drove
enhancements to the PFD and MFD software platform that resulted in
the Version 2.0 code base. Now Evolution Flight Displays already in
the field can be easily upgraded to benefit from those expanded
capabilities offered by the new Version 2.0 code.
“We named our product line "Evolution" for a reason," said
John Uczekaj, President and CEO of Aspen Avionics. “Aspen
redefined the GA retrofit avionics industry by introducing a unique
glass cockpit system that can be easily and constantly improved
through software updates and optional enhancements. We provide our
customers with a glass display system that meets their immediate
needs and budget, yet still has the ability to grow with them over
time as their requirements increase and new technologies are
developed.”
While there is no requirement for current PFD owners to upgrade
until they add an MFD or the EHA option to their Evolution system,
many may still choose to do so. The Version 2.0 software has a
number of new enhancements to the previous Version 1.1 software
shipped with the earlier PFDs, including improvements to the
EFD1000 functionality and its interfaces, many of which are the
direct result of feedback from Aspen.s customers. Some of these new
features include:
- Support for multi-display PFD and MFD configurations, including
the ability to remove most mechanical backup instruments.
- Enhanced GPSS performance and annunciations.
- Greatly improved screen dimming for night flight.
- Output of air data information for use by GPS navigators.
- Altitude trend vector display.
- Improved altitude minimums alerting.
- Support for traffic, weather, and lighting information and
interface for EWR50 Evolution Weather Receiver, via the optional
EHA upgrade.
- Enhanced AHRS solution to further improve support for
aerobatics, aggressive maneuvering, and helicopters.
- High speed ARINC 429 inputs.
- Pitot blockage detection.
- Improved interface with the Remote Sensor Module to eliminate
link failures.
Version 2.0 also makes it possible for Aspen PFD owners to add
Evolution Hazard Awareness (EHA) to their EFD1000 Flight Displays.
The EHA upgrade for the EFD1000 Pro PFD integrates datalink
weather, lightning detection, and traffic into its navigation
display, and is fully compatible with many of the hazard sensors
already installed in GA cockpits today. The EHA upgrade for the
EFD1000 Pro PFD is also available as a bundled package with Aspen.s
popular EWR50 Evolution Weather Receiver.
“Evolution Hazard Awareness for the Pro PFD is but the
first of many optional upgrades we will release for our Flight
Display products,” continued Uczekaj. “Aspen is
actively developing other exciting features and capabilities that
can be added to our PFDs and MFDs via software updates or through
the addition of modular equipment. We will continue to build on our
promise of providing GA aircraft owners with affordable, expandable
and upgradable cockpit systems.”
The Version 2.0 field upgrade kit can
be obtained free from Aspen and installed by any authorized dealer.
The Evolution Hazard Awareness Software Upgrade Kit for the EFD1000
Pro PFD is listed at $795. The EHA Software Kit for the Pro PFD is
available as a bundle package with the EWR50 Evolution Weather
Receiver for $2,995. All Aspen units are available only through
Aspen Avionics Authorized Dealers.