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.

FMI: AirVenture booths 3048 and 3049, www.aspenavionics.com