Avidyne gains system, software approvals
Panel-mounted avionics manufacturer Avidyne announced that it has received two key FAA approvals for a new software release and a new navigation system.
Technical standard order and supplemental type certificate approvals have been granted for Avidyne’s Release 10.2 (R10.2) software, and the new IFD550 FMS/GPS/nav/com with Attitude Reference System (ARS) touchscreen navigation system.
The IFD550’s integrated ARS “provides a secondary attitude display” and enables “full 3D egocentric ‘out-the-window’ as well as exocentric ‘in-trail’ views of aircraft with nearby terrain, airports, obstacles, with full color traffic and terrain warnings,” the company said in a message to customers and other "insiders."
Avidyne also received certification of its new, IFD545, IFD510 and IFD410 FMS/GPS-only systems, the Melbourne, Florida-based company said.
With the software, all 5-Series IFD versions offer weather radar display when interfaced with the Bendix/King RDR2000 digital weather radar series.
Existing IFD540s and IFD440s can be upgraded to synthetic vision with R10.2, which "also adds about 50 other features and enhancements."
Avidyne said the new software release also supports an optional RS-170 video input, “particularly useful for aircraft using night-vision or landing-gear cameras but with limited panel space for a dedicated display.”
The R10.2 software upgrade also is available on a USB memory stick for $150 from Avidyne through dealers. Costs do not include labor required to upgrade existing systems.
Customers upgrading from the IFD540 to the IFD550 will be contacted in the coming weeks to schedule the upgrade over the next 90 days, Avidyne said.
A full price list for all models is available online.
