Trilogy ESI-1000 Makes All-Glass Cockpit Possible

L-3 Avionics Systems had more news to announce last week at AirVenture 2008, in addition to its plan to incorporate synthetic vision technology on its SmartDeck glass panel syste. The company also announced the introduction of the Trilogy ESI-1000 Electronic Standby Instrument, the first solid-state integrated standby system created specifically for Part 23 aircraft.

Designed as a backup for glass cockpit avionics, Trilogy is expected to receive certification in early 2009.

"Trilogy is a revolutionary product - a fully integrated AMLCD standby instrument for general aviation aircraft operators," said Adrienne Stevens, president of L-3 Avionics Systems. "There are thousands of glass cockpits flying today with outdated analog instruments. Trilogy puts all the necessary back-up information -- airspeed, altitude and attitude -- in one place and in a layout pilots can read easily. It's a tremendous step in safety for modern cockpits, and it completes the glass layout desired by so many."

Trilogy replaces the usual standby instruments common in today's glass cockpit-equipped aircraft by combining attitude, altitude, airspeed and optional heading data on a clear, 4-by-3 inch Active Matrix LCD display. The instrument fits easily into a standard 3-ATI mounting cutout. With an integrated air data computer, solid-state attitude sensor and optional external magnetometer, Trilogy presents accurate flight information independently of other systems.

Additionally, using Trilogy in conjunction with a flat panel display enhances safety by easing the pilot's transition to standby instruments. The full screen attitude reference with vertical altitude and airspeed tapes, as well as the optional horizontal heading tape, mirror the primary system to give pilots a similar layout by which to control the aircraft. The result is reduced workload and a short transition to reliable information.

An ambient light sensor is integrated for automatic brightness control on both the screen and keyboard. Trilogy units will be calibrated to 400 knots and 55,000 feet, with the ability to store aircraft configuration and options at time of installation. The model will be available through OEMs as well as for retrofit to modernize both glass and traditional cockpit configurations. Exact pricing will be announced closer to certification.

Trilogy was developed from L-3 Avionics Systems' advanced knowledge base and performance in strapdown attitude determination, which has made the company a leader in electronic standby instrument systems for high-end aircraft. Now, Trilogy makes this technology a smart and affordable option for all general aviation cockpit pilots.

FMI: www.l-3avionics.com