New Datalink Transceiver Sports WSI Weather, Two-Way Text
Messaging
Avidyne Corporation
announced during Tuesday's opening day for EBACE2008 the
introduction of a versatile new two-way datalink transceiver, the
MLX770, which delivers datalink graphical weather and two-way text
messaging capability for general aviation operations in Europe.
The company says the MLX770 is a well-suited upgrade for the
large installed base of Avidyne-equipped aircraft already flying in
Europe, including over 600 Entegra-equipped Cirrus SR20s and
SR22s.
"Cirrus is very pleased to endorse the MLX770 as a
dealer-installed upgrade for the hundreds of Cirrus airplanes
currently operating in Europe," said John Bingham, Vice President
of International Sales for Cirrus. "Cirrus’ goal is to bring
the latest safety-enhancement and performance technology to market
for all of our customers, and the MLX770 adds a new level of
situational awareness and safety for European-based Cirrus
owners."
"The MLX770 is yet another market-defining product developed by
our Safety Systems group in Columbus, OH," said Avidyne president
Dan Schwinn. "Leveraging the global coverage of the Iridium
network, Avidyne is excited about bringing datalink capability to
the European market at a much lower price point than previously
available, and we look to expand this capability to other areas of
the world in the very near future."
Utilizing Avidyne’s proven Network Operations Center (NOC)
and capitalizing on the global reach and reliability of the
66-satellite Iridium constellation, the MLX770 delivers strategic
datalink weather services to Entegra- and EX500-equipped aircraft
operating throughout Europe.
The MLX770 provides Avidyne’s European customers—who
until now have had no access to broadcast datalink weather services
like those found in the continental United States and limited
access to much higher-cost corporate aviation solutions available
internationally — with the strategic benefits of long-range
datalink weather capability. With the addition of the MLX770, these
aircraft owners can now make more informed flying decisions based
on current weather and forecast data during all phases of flight
operations. The MLX770 allows pilots to more easily make go/no-go
decisions on the ground, and fly more strategically while en route
and when having to deviate around weather.
"There are well over 1,000 Avidyne-equipped aircraft operating
throughout Europe that are ideally suited to take advantage of the
terrific safety enhancements of the MLX770," said Rob Higby,
Avidyne’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Avidyne is
currently identifying STC partners and key service centers across
Europe that will be designated to perform this upgrade in Entegra-
and EX500-equipped aircraft."
Using the Iridium satellite network, the MLX770 provides weather
data for most of Western Europe, with satellite signal coverage at
all altitudes, even when on the ground. The MLX770’s datalink
service will include graphical and textual METARS, TAFs, Winds and
Temperatures Aloft, and in-flight weather advisories (NOTAMs).
Radar and lightning will be available as premium offerings, and
Avidyne plans to add new weather products like satellite imagery in
the near future.
Additionally, the MLX770 provides convenient two-way SMS text
messaging from your airborne MFD to any ground-based SMS-capable
mobile phone or e-mail address, allowing pilots to communicate with
family and friends from their aircraft in flight.
The European introductory price for the MLX770 Two-Way Datalink
Transceiver starts at €7,995 plus antenna and installation.
Avidyne and DAC International are accepting orders now for the
MLX770, with initial deliveries beginning in Q4 2008. Service
pricing is expected to be €50-80 per month based on 10 hours
of flying per month.
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