Available Now For Retrofit On SR22-G2; Development Continues On 'the-jet'

L-3 Communications Avionics Systems announced Thursday it has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization and Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the SmartDeck Integrated Flight Controls and Display System. The STC has been awarded for the Cirrus Design SR22 G2 model, and L-3 Avionics will offer the STC through authorized dealers for retrofit.

"SmartDeck’s revolutionary user interface is designed to boost pilot confidence and create a safe, simple and easy-to-control cockpit environment," said Adrienne Stevens, president of L-3 Avionics Systems. "We’re thrilled to deliver this state-of-the-art, next-generation avionics system to the market."

Perhaps SmartDeck's best feature -- and a marked departure from some other glass panels  -- is a simple user interface and designed the menu structure to support pilot functions in "three clicks or less." This allows pertinent flight information to be more rapidly accessible, and less confusing than with other systems.

"It makes flying safer, easier and more fun," said Stevens. "When pilots fly the system for the first time, we receive overwhelmingly positive feedback about the crisp graphics and overall ease of use. The best way for someone to compare SmartDeck to other systems is to fly it. It speaks for itself."

SmartDeck is also the only system in the light aircraft market to include a display dedicated to flight plan management and communication information as part of its standard configuration. The Center Console Unit (CCU) is a 4 x 5.25 inch display that frees up space on the multi-function display (MFD) and enables pilots to continue monitoring a flight while obtaining airport or flight plan information.

SmartDeck integrates a number of advanced situational awareness technologies that provide detailed data on navigation, traffic avoidance, terrain avoidance, communication, flight controls, engine parameters and enhanced vision. Many of these resources are made available through the integration of L-3’s products.

L-3 adds SmartDeck is scalable, and designed for installation on new general aviation aircraft, turboprops and light jets. L-3 is progressing with Cirrus Design to customize SmartDeck for the development phase of "the-jet," as announced at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual convention last September, as ANN reported.

FMI: www.l-3avionics.com, www.smartdeck.com