Will Supply Avio Total Aircraft Integration

Eclipse Aviation Corporation, manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 jet, announced on Wednesday that it has signed long-term contracts with a team of world class suppliers for its Avio system.

Autronics, Crossbow Technology, FreeFlight Systems, Harco Laboratories, Hispano-Suiza and Meggitt Avionics have been added to the Avio supplier team.

Eclipse claims that Avio, developed in partnership with its team of suppliers, delivers a level of integration and safety that has previously been available only in advanced military aircraft and commercial airliners.  This Total Aircraft Integration is delivered through integral, redundant computer systems and an advanced power distribution system, which monitor and control all aspects of the aircraft from engine controls to avionics to fuel system management to cabin reading lights.  Avio is exclusive to the Eclipse 500 jet.

The systems provided by the new suppliers are:
    
Autronics-Aircraft Computer System (ACS)
Crossbow Technology-Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS)
FreeFlight Systems-Global Positioning System (GPS) with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) capability
Harco Laboratories-Air Data Computer with Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM) capability
Hispano-Suiza-Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADECs)
Meggitt Avionics-Digital Autopilot
 
"Avio's capabilities, what we term Total Aircraft Integration, are much more than cockpit integration.  Only Avio provides the pilot with fully-integrated electronic control of major aircraft systems, not just avionics. This Total Aircraft Integration provides a major step forward in safety and reduced pilot workload," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation.  "With the naming of these new partners, Eclipse continues our leadership role in building an aircraft that increases ease of operation and, in turn, safety.  Our strategy is to seek out the best of the best, so that Eclipse customers can have one of the most advanced aircraft in the world at a cost of $950,000."

The new suppliers join existing Avio partners Avidyne and General Dynamics and replace components previously contracted to BAE Systems. 

"These new partners offer the most advanced components on the market today," said Don Burtis, vice president of Avionics and Electronics at Eclipse Aviation.  "They are on the forefront of technological innovation and are known leaders in digital avionics.  We are pleased that these suppliers share our vision to dramatically improve the value proposition of private jets and have committed to manufacture the most advanced products at very low costs."

Together with Avidyne and General Dynamics, these six new suppliers provide the major building blocks of Avio.  Avidyne provides the pilot interface to Avio, including the dual Primary Flight Displays and Multi Function Display, keyboard, autopilot control panel, and navigation and communication radios.  General Dynamics provides the power distribution system, as well as the starter generator.

Additionally, Avio's integration spans virtually all other Eclipse 500 systems including the trim motors, flap actuators, landing gear, climate control, lighting, trim, cabin pressurization control, fuel and ice protection.  Extremely accurate and reliable proximity switches are also features of Avio; they are used throughout the Eclipse 500, replacing most of the traditional micro switches.

FMI:  www.eclipseaviation.com