L-3 Communications’ Avionics Systems division has certified the company’s Trilogy ESI-1000 electric standby instrument for installation in helicopters. It can serve as a backup should the aircraft’s primary flight instruments fail.
The Trilogy has its own integrated air data computer, solid-state attitude sensor and can be ordered with an optional external magnetometer for heading information. The Trilogy depicts attitude, altitude, airspeed, and heading information (if accompanied by the magnetometer).
The helicopter version of the Trilogy is calibrated from 20 to 350 knots and -1,500 to 55,000 feet. It can detect roll rates up to 100 degrees per second. The instrument measures four inches wide by three inches high, weighs 2.75 pounds, and its list price is $15,000.