Category: PRs

Astronics Corp., through its wholly-owned subsidiary Astronics Max-Viz, announced that its newest Enhanced Vision System (EVS), the Max-Viz 1400, has been installed on five Beechcraft King Air aircraft for the South Eastern Section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

“These enhanced vision systems are perfectly suited to the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s mission to provide life-saving emergency evacuations and healthcare services day and night in obscured visibility across south eastern Australia,” said Elliott Troutman, Astronics Max-Viz executive vice president.

The Astronics Max-Viz 1400 EVS enables pilots to see up to ten times further than unaided human vision in visibility-obscured conditions, such as smoke, haze and light fog, day or night. Priced at $25,000, the Max-Viz 1400 EVS features a lightweight, solid-state, uncooled thermal camera with a sensor image that can be displayed on Garmin G500, G600, G1000, Avidyne R9, Bendix King KMD-850, AvMap EKP-V, Flipper, Rosen monitors and EFBs.

The five new Astronics EVS systems for the Royal Flying Doctor Service were integrated into the Garmin G1000-equipped King Airs operated by the South Eastern Section. Complete Avionics, a leading avionics support center located in Bilinga QLD 4225, installed the Max-Viz 1400 system and handled the Australian certification. FAA installation approval in the United States is expected in 2016.

The Royal Flying Doctor Service has a fleet of 68 aircraft that includes 29 Beechcraft King Air 350 and 200. The South Eastern Section of the Royal Flying Doctor Service missions are flown 24 hours a day, seven days a year and include medical issues requiring emergency evacuation as a result of motor vehicle and motorbike accidents, broken bones, heart attacks and strokes, sudden and severe chest pain, respiratory failure, snake and spider bites and work related injuries. The South Eastern Section services southwest Queensland, eastern and northern South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.

Rockwell Collins announced that Aviator Airport Alliance sites in Norway have gone live with the company’s ARINC AviNet Enterprise Hub (eHub) messaging service.

Rockwell Collins says Aviator is using ARINC eHub to send and receive critical aviation operational messages—such as passenger and cargo data—for its airline customers in Norway. Aviator has been working with Rockwell Collins to implement the company’s AviNet suite of aviation messaging solutions throughout Europe, including using Rockwell Collins AviNet Mail and AviNet Connector messaging solutions at locations in Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom.

“When Aviator made the decision for a messaging communication system within the Aviator Airport Alliance group, we knew we needed one that was well tested and had a proven history,” said Terje Eriksen, Information Communication Technology coordinator at Aviator. “There are several available, but we needed one that was IATA certified and reliable. The choice of the ARINC AviNet solutions was an easy one. In addition to the advanced capabilities, Rockwell Collins has very competitive pricing.”

“Rockwell Collins’ ARINC eHub is giving Aviator a more innovative way of communicating with its customers,” said Alexis Hickox, head of global sales, Commercial Aviation and Network Services for Rockwell Collins’ Information Management Services business. “New capabilities combined with reduced costs are allowing Aviator to improve services while saving money.”

L-3 Aviation Products (L-3 AP) announced that its Lynx NGT-9000 and NGT-2500 models of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) products have been certified by the FAA to interface with the Aspen Evolution line of Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and Primary Flight Displays (PFDs) for General Aviation (GA) aircraft. The interface will allow ADS-B weather and traffic data from the NGT-9000’s or NGT-2500’s ADS-B receiver to be viewed on the Aspen displays. Additionally, Lynx NextGen Active Traffic from the NGT-9000+ model will display active Traffic Awareness System (TAS) traffic onto the Aspen products.

“Lynx and Aspen represent a cost-effective and powerful combination in ADS-B capability that we are very pleased to provide in support of the upcoming NextGen mandate,” said Larry Riddle, L-3 Aviation Products vice president of marketing and sales for General Aviation (GA). “Pilots will now be able to easily replace existing transponders on Aspen-equipped aircraft with an L-3 Lynx NGT-9000 and enhance situational awareness.”

L-3’s Lynx NGT-9000 and 2500 models port data to Aspen Evolution displays using the popular RS-232 interface. Traffic and weather data can be overlaid on Aspen’s Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) and moving map windows. Traffic can also be viewed on Aspen’s PFDs and MFDs. While the Lynx NGT-9000 shows traffic and weather on its own touchscreen display, pilots can choose to view certain data on the Lynx display and other data on the Aspen display. This multi-display configuration allows pilots to view more information simultaneously and configure the data to their flying needs.

“What we’re seeing is that customers are shifting their focus from the question of what is ADS-B to researching their options on how to get the most benefit from the mandate,” said Mark Ferrari, vice president of sales and customer support for Aspen. “Clearly, the solutions made possible by Aspen’s partnership with L-3 provide a range of options that add value at a cost that is very affordable.”

The Lynx NGT-9000 is a touchscreen Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) transponder that is also a display for ADS-B In data, including traffic, NEXRAD graphical and textual weather, as well as moving maps. Up-to-the-minute Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and Winds and Temps Aloft data are also included. The Lynx NGT-9000 is a dual-mode 1090ES ADS-B Out plus 1090 and 978 ADS-B In device that is designed for 14 V or 28 V installations. L-3 NextGen Active Traffic is an available option that is integrated directly in the Lynx NGT-9000, eliminating the need for a remote box.

Internal active traffic and/or ADS-B antenna diversity are available options for the NGT-9000. A Wi-Fi interface module provides connectivity to iPad and Android^™ devices with applications such as Wing Pro and SkyRadar. All Lynx MSS models incorporate an embedded position source (WAAS-GPS) requiring no external GPS connections.

A free app is available that simulates the Lynx touchscreen on iPad and Android tablets. Please visit L-3Lynx.com for further details on the complete Lynx family of ADS-B products, as well as for links to the Apple^® and Android apps. The site also includes an interactive demo for those accessing it via a PC.

According to a new market research report on the “Head-Up Display Market by Component (Video Generator, Projector, Software, Combiner and Others), Application (Military & Civil Aviation, and Automotive, Premium/Luxury Cars, Sports Cars, and Mid-Segment Cars), and Geography – Global Forecast to 2020,” the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 26.23 percent between 2015 and 2020, and reach USD 9.02 Billion by 2020.

Head-up Display (HUD) technology is an important function of the automotive and aviation application. Augmented reality is an emerging trend in the head-up display market. AR-based HUD technology also provides full color advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) functions including visual warning, lane-departure warning.

The continuous innovation in this technology market has helped in providing the various driving assistance such as vehicle speed, navigation system, road direction, fuel indication, distance between the vehicles, vehicle warning message and other information to the driver. Currently, automotive application leads the overall HUD market. The major driving factor of the market which supports the automotive market includes driver safety system, and providing different driving assistance to the drivers, which penetrate the growth in the luxury/premium and sport segment cars. Now the head-up display manufacturing companies are focusing on the mid-segment cars, where HUDs are installed in the in the vehicle due to its low cost structure. This has resulted in a wide utilization of these technologies in many applications.

The report covers the global head-up display market and all its aspects such as opportunities, drivers, and restraints in detail. In this report, the overall market has been segmented on the basis of components, applications, and geography. On the basis of application, it is segmented into aviation and automotive sector. The aviation market is further sub segmented into military/defense aviation and civil aviation. The automotive application is further segmented into luxury/premium cars, sports cars, and mid-segment cars. The component segment has been divided into video generator, software, projector, combiner, and others.

The overall market has been divided into four major geographic regions, namely, North America, Europe, APAC, and RoW. The European region currently leads the overall head-up display market.

Research and development is being undertaken for various emerging technologies such as light field display, depth-fused 3D head-up display, laser-based volumetric display, quantum photonic imager, and others, which are expected to compete with the HUD market in the future. Different research organizations and companies are working for the R&D of these emerging technologies. These emerging technologies are also discussed in this market report.

Depth-fused 3D is an emerging technology in the field of head-up display. Depth-fused 3D display contains two focal planes/lens system,s which are used for identifying the depth by changing the luminance ratio between the images. The electrically adjustable liquid lenses can combines the front and rear focal planes with the corresponding images. These lenses allow for the projection of multiple images in different viewing distances, which represent the 3D image content. This technology is expected to drive the automotive industry in the future.

The report cites major players in this market as BAE Systems (U.K.), Continental AG (Germany), Denso Corporation (Japan), Visteon Corporation (U.S.), Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd (Japan), and Yazaki Corporation (Japan).

Jet Aviation Basel has recently signed an agreement to perform the world’s first installation of a Ka-Band satellite communications system (SCS) on a Boeing B747-400 aircraft. The company will install Honeywell’s JetWave fuselage-mounted antenna (MCS- 8200) to support the Ka-Band satellite communications (Satcom) system.

“Business aviation demands the very best in in-flight connectivity,” says Vincent Rongier, head of Refurbishment, Modification and Upgrades at Jet Aviation Basel Maintenance. “Our team of Avionics specialists has the expertise and experience in selecting and installing Satcom systems for all aircraft types. And we take special pride in being able to advise our clients about systems specific to their needs to ensure the best possible user experience.”

Jet Aviation Basel to install world’s first Honeywell JetWave Ka-Band Satellite Communications System on a Boeing B747-400 aircraft Ka-Band connectivity enables one of the highest data transfer speeds available in the industry while further supporting the growth in data expected to occur over the coming decades. Jet Aviation Basel will develop a Ka-Band supplemental type certificate (STC) for the B747-400 and install the Ka-Band system with Honeywell’s high-speed Satcom hardware and the JetWave MCS-8200 fuselage-mounted antenna. The Ka-Band SCS will ultimately interface with the existing local area network (LAN) on the aircraft.

Honeywell’s JetWave Ka-band GX Aviation Satellite Communications terminal provides seamless global broadband service via the Inmarsat Global Xpress network. Designed to give users ultimate flexibility and connectivity, the system supports both commercial global spot beams and high capacity commercial (HCC) spot beams without reconfiguring the system, transitioning networks or changing providers. The terminal is available in two configurations — a fuselage-mounted antenna system for larger air transport grade aircraft (MCS-8200) and a tail-mounted antenna system for corporate and business aviation aircraft (MCS-8000).

“We are very excited to develop the Ka-Band STC and install this hardware,” adds Johannes Turzer, senior vice president and general manager of the Jet Aviation Basel Maintenance Center. “With all of us having enjoyed nearly limitless high speed internet on the ground for so long, we are thrilled to help bring this experience to our customers up in the air.”

Aviation and defense electronics group, Thomas Global Systems has signed an agreement with Saab AB in relation to Thomas Global’s TFD-8601 LCD cockpit display, a plug- and-play LCD replacement for aging CRT displays in corporate and regional aircraft including the Saab 340.

Under the agreement, Saab will issue a Service Bulletin providing for installation of the TFD-8601 in Saab 340 aircraft, recognizing the significant benefits the new product brings to aircraft operators, owners and lessors. Thomas Global and Saab will cooperate closely in the marketing of the TFD-8601 to the global Saab 340 fleet.

“We are pleased to be working with Saab to extend the benefits of our growing range of drop-in CRT-to-LCD display products to Saab 340 operators,” said Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global Systems. “As the original aircraft manufacturer, Saab has a deep understanding of long-term fleet needs so we are pleased to have Saab’s close cooperation with the integration of this solution. Thomas Global has a strong, long-standing relationship with Saab and we are pleased to build on that solid foundation with this latest contract.”

“The TFD-8601 offers Saab 340 operators a long-term, cost-effective, cockpit display solution that drives down avionics maintenance costs, downtime and obsolescence issues, while also providing a cost-effective growth path for other cockpit upgrades,” Malin Svahn, general manager of Saab Regional Aircraft, says. “Issuance of the Service Bulletin by Saab ensures the opportunity for all operators to maintain fleet commonality across the global Saab 340 fleet.”

Hartzell’s new four-blade aluminum and five-blade structural composite props will be available in early 2016 for the sizeable Beechcraft King Air 350 fleet. Hartzell says the new aerodynamically swept props are designed to deliver a higher cruise speed, faster climb rate and shorter takeoff performance for the King Air 350 series introduced in 1990.

“We have greatly advanced the technology of propellers by taking advantage of the aerodynamic effect of blade sweep, the strength of lightweight structural composites and robotic manufacturing technologies for both composite and aluminum blades,” says Joe Brown, Hartzell Propeller president. “As a result we can offer across the board performance improvements in all phases of fight.”

Developed in conjunction with Raisbeck Engineering, which has begun FAA certification flight-testing on new four-blade aluminum and five-blade composite swept blade propeller designs for the King Air 350, the propellers incorporate Hartzell’s latest blade sweep technology already available for King Air C90 and King Air B200 models.

Four-blade aluminum swept propellers for the King Air 350 began certiftesting in October, and an FAA STC is expected soon. Flight testing of the Raisbeck/Hartzell five-blade structural composite swept blade propellers will be completed in early 2016. Once complete, owners will have the option of choosing either the four-blade aluminum or five-blade carbon fiber performance enhancements.

Raisbeck Engineering and Hartzell Propeller have a long-standing relationship in developing swept-blade technology for the entire King Air family. The results of this work provide increased across-the-board performance, a truly quiet environment and stunning ramp presence.

The new King Air 350 propellers are an extension of the swept blade technology already developed by Hartzell and Raisbeck for the King Air 90 and King Air B200 series. With the Hartzell/Raisbeck swept-blade propellers, overall aircraft thrust and efficiency are measurably improved for Beechcraft King Air C90GTx and other PT6A-135A-powered Beechcraft C90s. In addition, the new swept propellers lower cockpit and cabin sound levels, according the company.

TRU Simulation + Training recently announced the opening of its new Aviation Maintenance Training Academy located on the Textron Aviation Mid-Continent campus in Wichita, Kansas. Courses currently offered include mechanical and avionics theory and practical for new production Beechcraft King Air 350i, 250, and C90GTx turboprops with the Pro Line Fusion avionics system, mechanical and avionics maintenance theory for Beechcraft Baron and Bonanza aircraft models, and instruction for McCauley propeller maintenance for piston and turbine model aircraft. Class offerings run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.

In the new climate-controlled facility, aircraft technicians receive a combination of classroom instruction and training on both maintenance task trainers and actual aircraft housed in the academy’s adjacent hangar. Instruction is provided by individuals who not only are experienced in maintaining the type of aircraft they are teaching, but who also have direct interaction with the people who make the aircraft.

“Being a Textron Aviation approved training center—and being located on the Textron Aviation campus—allows a knowledge exchange between our courseware developers and instructors that gives us the most up-to-date and accurate training,” explained Diane Giuliani, vice president and general manager of the Training Centers and Services division for TRU Simulation + Training. “That, and the fact that the TRU Aviation Maintenance Academy focuses only on instruction for aircraft technicians, gives us a real competitive advantage.”

Near future plans for the maintenance academy include expanding training to include additional aircraft types—starting with the Cessna CJ series—and systems, such as engine run and taxi, engine maintenance, avionics differences, and troubleshooting courses. At capacity, the new academy is equipped to handle approximately 7,500 students annually in the Wichita location.

To its maintenance academy customers, TRU Simulation + Training brings over 25 years of serving the military market’s aircraft maintenance training needs. Some of the defense platforms the company continues to support include the C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, the F-22 Raptor fighter jet and the B- Lancer bomber. Offered Kyle Crooks, vice president and general manager of the Mission and Maintenance Training division for TRU Simulation + Training, “Our aircraft maintenance training program for civilians is shaped by the same strict requirements and standards that form our programs for the military. No one offering aircraft maintenance training today has a greater appreciation for flight preparedness than we do.”

Vector Aerospace is celebrating 15 years of providing outstanding Mobile Repair Team (MRT) support to fixed-wing operators through its Engine Services – Atlantic team.

“Since the first service center was opened in Dallas, Tex., USA in November 2000 with just two field service representatives (FSRs), we now have more than 10 locations worldwide and 32 dedicated, expert technicians,” says John Seidl, vice president of Global Operations. “These personnel are located across the globe, in the USA (California, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington and West Virginia), Canada, the United Kingdom, Kenya, South Africa and Australia.”

 

Vector Aerospace says its mobile repair teams are on call 24/7, 365 days a year, and are designed around a “Quick Turn Around and Travel Ready philosophy” to support customers’ requirements and AOG engine support services. Vector Aerospace’s Service Center Network also says it has inventory specifically designed for immediate response and AOG requirements, in order to keep engines on-wing and reduce operators’ maintenance-related costs.

Vector Aerospace has additional MRT teams operating from its divisions in Gonesse, Paris, France and Fleetlands, Gosport, UK.

All Metal MS announced the recent delivery of its custom “Safety First” maintenance stand, cowling racks and blade racks to The United States Border Protection in San Diego, Cali., fleet of AS-350 aircraft.

All Metal focuses on working with customers such as The United States Border Protection to design customized products that enhance and improve aircraft maintenance. All Metal MS says improving safety and enhancing maintenance effectiveness with its “Safety First” aircraft maintenance stands, is their goal.

The All Metal products delivered to Border Protection group were designed to support the Airbus AS350, EC120, EC130, EC135, EC145, and AS355. These products have tested by aircraft mechanics worldwide.

“I am always impressed with aircraft maintenance centers that promote safety and efficiency,” says Johnny Buscema, All Metal’s president and CEO, when asked about the delivery.   “The United States Border Protection in San Diego, Cali., run a highly efficient and safe operation and evidence is apparent as they showed me around their facility. We at All Metal are honored to be their chosen source for “Safety First” maintenance stands, hangar equipment and specialty tooling.”