Universal Avionics introduced the InSight Integrated Flight Deck at the NBAA convention. Universal Avionics Image
Universal Avionics’ unveiled its newest avionics suite – the feature-rich InSight integrated flight deck – during the NBAA convention in Orlando, Fla. The highlight of the system is the embedded next generation Synthetic Vision System (SVS) with advanced mapping capability and intuitive system-wide Graphical Pilot Interface.
Primary hardware components of the InSight Integrated Flight Deck include a 10.4-inch EFI-1040 display acting as PFD and/or MFD, Electronic Control Display Unit (ECDU), Alphanumeric Keyboard (ANK) and Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) II. The 10.4-inch high-resolution LED backlit LCD EFI-1040 Display offers multiple processors/partitioning, an Ethernet-based architecture, and future size and orientation options. Pilot interface and control of the system is conveniently provided through the ECDU, a 5.0″ flat panel display, and a Cursor Control Panel (CCP) – a unique ‘Point & Click’ system controller. The ANK allows for alphanumeric entries, Flight Management System (FMS) function keys and a database SD card server. A second generation data concentrator, the DCU II, provides analog/digital conversion/concentration.
“We have an extensive knowledge base in retrofit display systems, garnished from our work with our EFI-890R which is currently STC’d in over 30 aircraft types. We listened to our customers, combined their input with this knowledge and incorporated what we’ve learned into the InSight design,” said Dan Reida, Universal Avionics vice president of sales, marketing and support. “The result is a user-friendly and flexible system that provides our customers with a feature rich platform for operating in the NextGen and SESAR environment,” he added.
The InSight display system is designed as an integrated flight deck solution, featuring an embedded SVS with advanced mapping capability, electronic charts, radio control, broadcast weather support and graphical flight planning. The second generation SVS includes 3 arc second resolution, terrain shading, ice/water features, obstacles, urban area outlines, high-resolution airport maps, runways, taxiways, ramp areas and pilot-selectable viewing angles. The electronic maps and charts feature airport and terminal, airway depiction, geo-referenced ownship, special use airspace and remaining runway distance. Embedded radio control allows tuning from the Electronic Control Display Unit (ECDU), suggested frequencies and ‘Point & Click’ tuning from the map. Broadcast weather support includes XM, METARS/TAFS, Airmets/Sigmets, TFRs, lightning, winds aloft and Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) provisioning. Graphical planning allows for ‘Point & Click’ flight plan edits and DTO, and “nearest” search.
The multifunction display (MFD) features multiple pilot-selectable formats with a configurable power-on default option. In addition, the advanced primary flight display (PFD) allows for pilot-selectable display information windows, which is also available for pilot preference.
InSight presents an adaptable design that’s flexible and easily installed/configured, proving valuable in retrofit applications. The first installation is on the company’s Cessna Citation VII with the STC expected in the second quarter of 2015.
The InSight system is also ideal for forward-fit applications. MD Helicopters, Inc. is the launch OEM customer with the InSight Integrated Flight Deck on the Next Generation MD Explorer helicopter.
InSight demonstrations are available at Universal Avionics Booth 273 after the unveiling, during exhibit hall hours through Thursday, Oct. 23. In addition, Universal Avionics’ Cessna Citation VII with InSight can be found at the Static Display of Aircraft, held at Orlando Executive Airport, in Space Number 440.
