Recently TSO’d Software Now Has Final STC Approval

Aspen Avionics announced Thursday that Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) is now shipping for PFDs and MFDs installed on Class I and II aircraft operating within the continental United States. Previously announced as coming later this year, the MFD ESV solution for Class III aircraft is also now available. Owners and operators with a Class III Evolution 1500, 2000, or 2500 flight display installation can enable ESV on their MFD(s). Evolution Synthetic Vision display on the Level B PFD is expected for release next year.

Evolution Synthetic Vision is available with Software Version 2.4.1 (and later) as a field-loadable software upgrade through Aspen’s authorized dealer network. “We opened the order books at the beginning of September in anticipation of this approval, and we now have a significant order backlog,” says Brad Hayden, Aspen’s Vice President of Marketing. “Our customers understand the safety and situational awareness benefits of synthetic vision and we know they are eager to take advantage of this system enhancement.”
 
Evolution Software Version 2.4.1 not only enables Aspen’s synthetic vision, but it also brings improvements to the standard MFD nav and terrain map depictions of relative terrain in the airport environment. Obstacle data is also enhanced by extension of the range at which obstacles are shown. Blue obstacle icons have been added to the existing red and yellow symbols to show obstacles that are between 500 feet and 2500 feet below the aircraft. Customers have the option to take advantage of the Software Version 2.4.1 upgrade free of charge (installation fees may apply) without enabling synthetic vision.
 
The current Jeppesen database coverage enables ESV over the continental United States, and a planned Jeppesen terrain database update later this year will expand the ESV operating area to full world-wide coverage. The release of ESV for helicopter customers is planned to occur later this year, to be initially available on the MFD. For existing customers, Evolution Synthetic Vision can be added to their PFDs and MFDs with an easy software upgrade that can be completed at any Aspen authorized dealer. For new customers, ESV can be added as an option at the time of purchase.
 
The price for enabling ESV is $2995, which, for a limited time, includes ESV activation on up to two Aspen MFDs when purchased for a PFD. The price for enabling ESV on MFDs installed in Class III aircraft is also $2995.

FMI: www.aspenavionics.com