Avidyne has developed an attitude-based autopilot for Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft equipped with Avidyne’s soon-to-be-released Entegra Release 9 integrated avionics suite.
The DFC100 autopilot is a direct replacement for S-Tec Fifty Five X autopilots currently installed in most Cirrus aircraft. The DFC100 gets its information from dual air data and attitude heading reference systems instead of a rate-based turn coordinator.
The DFC100 promises the same precise vertical and lateral controls as turbine-class autopilot systems. The DFC100 will offer altitude, airspeed, and vertical speed holds as well as heading, navigation, GPS steering, and the ability to fly coupled approaches. The autopilot also will contain a “straight and level” button designed to quickly level the wings and hold altitude in case of pilot disorientation.
Avidyne anticipated FAA certification for the DFC100 in Cirrus aircraft in 2010, and the retail price for Release 9 is $14,990.
Dave Hirschman
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