Standard On Piper Matrix, Available On Other Fixed- And Rotary-Wing Aircraft

Avidyne Corporation announced Sunday its TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system -- the first color, real-time, lightning-based tactical weather avoidance system for general aviation aircraft -- has received European Technical Standards Order (ETSO) authorization from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Avidyne received Technical Standard Order acceptance from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last year. 

"This authorization streamlines the delivery process for OEMs whose European customers have ordered aircraft equipped with Avidyne’s TWX670," explained Tom Harper, Avidyne’s Director of Marketing.

The TWX670 provides real-time weather avoidance capability out to 200 nautical miles (nm), which is especially valuable for customers operating aircraft outside the United States where datalink graphical weather is unavailable.

Its advanced, high-speed digital signal processing provides a significant advantage over previous-generation systems by allowing the TWX670 to display lightning in the 0-25nm range, providing truly tactical weather detection and avoidance capability. 

Avidyne says the TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system provides rotary wing operators with full color-contoured, dynamic lightning depictions which will greatly enhance their ability to avoid severe weather. The TWX670’s real-time display of storm cell intensity eliminates the guess-work associated with interpreting previous-generation lightning systems.

"It is a logical step for us to adapt the TWX670’s innovative technology to the helicopter marketplace," said Dan Schwinn, Avidyne’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "It enhances the utility and safety of rotary wing aircraft that are often compelled to operate in situations where datalink-based weather information is unavailable or insufficient for making tactical weather avoidance decisions. It’s the latest advancement offered by our Safety Systems Group, which was formerly Ryan International and builds on the expertise and experience they gained as developers of the original Stormscope."

The TWX670 is a standard option on the Piper PA-46 Matrix and is now available for retrofit in existing fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The system is available at a suggested list price of $7,995. 

FMI: www.avidyne.com