It's ALL About The Gadgets! -- Part Three
(Following AEA's
convention in Dallas last week, we thought you'd want to see the
latest in electronic accessories for your aircraft. Here's the
second part of what was new at this year's show. --
ed.)
AEA has an amazing session each year over which dozens of new
products are introduced in just a few short hours... with only a
few short minutes allowed per company. As a result, new product
announcements come fast and furious at the Aircraft Electronics
Association convention in Dallas, Texas.
Garmin
Nearly last but not remotely least, the folks at Garmin chatted
about the state of their wide-ranging avionics line. The GDL-69 and
GDL-69A make it possible for MX20s as well as GNS 430/530 series
boxes to offer Data Link Weather XM Radio Broadcast, WX Worx Data,
and the like. The list price is $4995 and includes both the remote
unit and the antenna... they are now delivering. Garmin also
continued to promote their highly capable iQue 3600A (the subject
of an extensive multi-part review in ANN a few weeks back). The
unit boasts a Yoke-Mount Cradle, Terrain/Obstacle Alerts,
Sectional-like mapping, Panel Page, Land, Sea and Air depictions
and a list price of $1099.
Thrane & Thrane
Thrane & Thrane is a Danish Company with about 600 employees
worldwide. It's a developer of Inmarsat technology. Thane &
Thane is offering its own Aero-HSD 64kBps Sky Office. Available
with two voice and two data channels, the unit already has PMA and
an STC for Gulfstream. It is compatible with current satellite
antennas and a trade in program is in effect.
HV Technologies
Leo Mccalsky of HV Technologies introduced an induced lightning
tester. The MIG-OS-MB enables manufacturers to reach higher energy
levels to conduct level 5 testing to the standards of DO160E. With
more composites and more electronics on aircraft, more of this
testing is also being pushed down to subcontractors.
Aspen Avionics
Aspen Avionics President Peter Lyons told the crowd about the
AT300 Hazard Awareness Display for general aviation aircraft. It is
elegantly designed to replace the VSI and provide a Taws like
terrain Display at an affordable price. It also has the ability to
show a moving map from GPS inputs. It’s high resolution
display is readable in direct sunlight. It’s certification is
expected in the third quarter. The uncertified version is shipping
now for $3,495. The certified version will be available for
$3995.
Innovative Solutions and Support
Innovative Solutions and Support is a growing avionics supplier
with thousands of units in service. The company is providing Flat
Panel Cockpit Displays that are innovative and inexpensive. These
flat panel displays for business aircraft are fully TSO'd. They are
sunlight readable, with a patented glass treatment. At only three
inches deep, it is being used in Beech 1900 and King Air upgrades.
An Integrated Air Data Display System is offered and combines AIU
functionality into the body of the ADDS. An Air Data Module
provides baro-corrected altitude input and air data for most
pressurized and non-pressurized applications.