Sat, Jul 24, 2004
Dedicated Terrain Display Makes Terrain Situational Awareness
More Affordable
Aspen Avionics LLC has
announced the formal launch of the innovative AT300 Terrain
Awareness Display for the experimental/homebuilt aircraft market.
The AT300 combines a vertical speed instrument with a moving map
display showing aircraft position and nearby terrain, helping to
increase pilot situational awareness and reduce the risk of
Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). The AT300 requires only
electrical power, navigation serial data from an existing GPS
receiver, and a pneumatic connection to the aircraft static system
to be fully functional.
“The AT300 display gives the pilot a moving map display
dedicated to terrain and obstacle information” said Peter
Lyons, president of Aspen. “Having a dedicated display
enhances the capability of the onboard GPS or MFD because it lets
the pilot use that equipment for what it was designed for –
navigation and navigational situation awareness.”
The AT300 uses the same
mechanical form factor as a traditional Vertical Speed Instrument
(VSI), and includes a vertical speed display. This combination
allows the equipment to be easily retrofitted into almost any
aircraft that has a VSI indicator and a GPS navigation computer.
“For aircraft with a GPS but no moving map, the AT300
provides a low-cost color moving map display solution that does not
require replacement of any existing radio stack equipment. Best of
all, the AT300 puts moving map information where it’s easiest
to see – right in front of the pilot” said Lyons.
“The system design makes extensive use of modern
technology and embedded software” said Jeff Bethel,
Aspen’s chief engineer and lead for the AT300 development.
“The only way to make a unit like this small enough to
install in a standard instrument cutout is to use modern surface
mount electronics in a custom design circuit. This also helps to
keep weight and size down, and improves reliability.”
Aspen Avionics will showcase the AT300 display and will be
accepting “preorder” reservations at EAA AirVenture
next week. The company is offering both the certified and
experimental versions of the AT300 at introductory pricing of $2695
until October 1, 2004. Homebuilt aircraft owners can also visit the
company at AirVenture to sign up as beta testers, and receive a
further $700 discount.
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