Leverages Open-Architecture For New ADS-B Compatible Products

Aspen Avionics rolled out two new lines of NextGen products designed to give aircraft owners flexible and affordable options to meet the upcoming FAA ADS-B Out equipment mandate, and to access the subscription-free weather and traffic services available from the ADS-B In network. Aspen’s product introductions include a new, certified NextGen product line and an expansion to the company’s existing Connected Panel wireless cockpit technology.

“Consistent with Aspen’s design philosophy, these new products are open, compatible and designed to complement what aircraft owners already have in their panels,” says Brad Hayden, Aspen’s Vice President of Marketing. “In addition, these new solutions are optimized for our displays, giving Aspen customers even more value for their glass panel investment.”

Aspen is expanding the Connected Panel product line with the Connected Weather CG50. The CG50 is a small Wi-Fi receiver that hard-wires into Evolution displays and allows pilots to simultaneously view subscription-free ADS-B In weather on an Evolution PFD or MFD—and via an iPad from the same portable source. The CG50 portable ADS-B receiver interface can be retrofitted on existing Aspen displays already in the field.

Additionally, Aspen is introducing an upgrade to the Connected Pilot CG100, which allows users to display subscription-free weather from portable ADS-B receivers onto Evolution PFDs and MFDs. This new functionality can be applied to existing CG100 installations and adds ADS-B weather to the other core Connected Pilot features like flight planning and data logging.

Aspen’s new certified NextGen product line provides ADS-B features pilots want, while leveraging installed avionics to keep flyaway costs low. Aspen’s ARX100 dual-band ADS-B receiver is a solution for aircraft that already have a Mode S transponder with Extended Squitter and an ADS-B compliant GPS installed. The ARX100 is a certified ADS-B weather and traffic In solution and is compatible with Aspen Evolution PFDs and MFDs.

Aspen’s ATX200 dual-band in, 978 MHz out ADS-B transceiver is built for aircraft that have a Mode A/C transponder, or Mode S without Extended Squitter, and a WAAS-enabled GPS installed. The ATX200 provides ADS-B Out mandate compliance below 18,000 feet.

The ATX200G combines a dual-band in, 978 MHz out ADS-B transceiver and a WAAS GPS into one product, a perfect solution for aircraft with a legacy mode A/C transponder and without an ADS-B compatible GPS. Paired with an Aspen Evolution PFD or MFD, the ATX200G meets the ADS-B Out mandate while also providing access to subscription-free ADS-B weather and traffic.

“Designed to work with what aircraft owners already have in their panels, Aspen’s affordable NextGen ADS-B solutions provide an easy, cost-effective path to meeting the upcoming ADS-B Out mandate, while allowing many paths to exploit the free situational awareness features provided by the NextGen environment,” Hayden continues. “Additionally, in order to increase our overall compatibility with other manufacturers, Aspen’s NextGen solutions will support the Capstone Data Interface Protocol.”

Aspen’s entire suite of ADS-B products will become available throughout 2013. The Aspen ADS-B hardware and software products are priced as follows:

• The ARX100 dual-band ADS-B receiver retails for $1695.
• The ARX200 dual-band ADS-B transceiver retails for $3995.
• The ATX200G dual-band in, 978 MHz out ADS-B transceiver with WAAS GPS retails for $4995.
• The Connected Weather CG50 wi-fi receiver and interface to Evolution displays retails for $949.
• The Connected Pilot CG100 software is included with the CG100.

Aspen has also made available an online ADS-B solutions configuration tool for aircraft owners to determine the Aspen solution that best meets their needs.

FMi: www.aspenavionics.com