S-TEC Corporation has confirmed that L-3 Avionics Systems has selected the IntelliFlight 1950 as the Digital Flight Control System (DFCS) for their advanced SmartDeck Integrated Flight Controls and Display System. "L-3 Avionics Systems came to us looking for a new-generation digital flight control to integrate into their new SmartDeck avionics suite," Mel Hilderbrand, S-TEC president said.

"Our engineers have worked very closely with L-3's team to document the functionality and performance parameters that were ultimately used to develop the new IntelliFlight 1950 to L-3's SmartDeck specifications."
 
"We are extremely proud to be teamed up with a forward-thinking company like L-3 Avionics Systems and to further demonstrate the potential of our digital flight control systems," Hilderbrand said. "With its advanced digital integration capabilities, the IntelliFlight 1950 is the perfect complement to the SmartDeck's concept of totally integrating the cockpit displays with communications, navigation and digital flight controls."
 
As part of the SmartDeck system, the IntelliFlight 1950 DFCS will be the first S-TEC digital flight control system to have its flight computer fully integrated into the avionics suite. "This is the direction that all next-generation avionics systems are going," Hilderbrand said. "And the IntelliFlight 1950 is ideally suited for this type of integration."

The IntelliFlight 1950 DFCS will feature all of the capabilities that have made S-TEC products general aviation's most popular and successful line of autopilots. Highlighting the system's advanced capabilities are Indicated Airspeed Hold (IAS Hold) and GPS Steering (GPSS) Mode.
 
When the pilot selects the IAS Hold function on the SmartDeck, the IntelliFlight 1950 DFCS will automatically maintain the selected airspeed during climbs and descents.
 
The IntelliFlight 1950 DFCS also features S-TEC's GPSS Mode, which integrates the DFCS with the SmartDeck's GPS receiver to accept roll steering commands and provide extremely accurate "hands off" GPS navigation. Additionally, by taking commands directly from the SmartDeck's GPS, the GPSS function enables the IntelliFlight 1950 DFCS to not only precisely fly en route GPS courses, it also does and excellent job of precision flying GPS approaches, missed approaches and other phases of flight where the IntelliFlight 1950 DFCS is engaged.

 
As part of the SmartDeck integrated suite, the IntelliFlight 1950 DFCS will deliver a variety of other features and benefits to pilots including Control Wheel Steering, Vertical Speed Control, Flight Director Interface, Altitude Preselect and Autotrim, and much more.
 
"When you combine the IntelliFlight 1950's capabilities with the new-generation display integration and automated functionality delivered by L-3's SmartDeck, you have an avionics package that pilots will be demanding," added Greg Plantz, S-TEC, VP. Sales and Marketing. "From wheels in the well, to runway in sight, this system will give pilots the control and confidence they'll need to safely and efficiently fly in 'Next-Gen' airspace."

FMI: www.meggitt.com, www.L-3Com.com