The EFC900X Developed For Evolution Aircraft

Lancair International has rolled out a new avionics suite for the Evolution Aircraft. Equipped since its inception with Garmin Avionics centered around the G900X system, the only thing missing was the integrated flight control provided by the certified GFC 700 Autopilot. Now, for the first time in the experimental market, this level of autopilot is available in the Evolution by Lancair. The G900X is now integrated with the GFC 7X autopilot for experimental use, resulting in the EFC900X Avionics Suite, exclusively for the Evolution.

The EFC900X suite features roll, pitch and yaw control, automatic pitch trim, flight director capability and symbology on the PFD, and integrated auto pilot control buttons on the G900X PFD and MFD’s. The addition of the Garmin GFC 7X autopilot to the Evolution provides excellent stability and control, responding to Garmin’s solid state Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) data to smoothly maneuver the aircraft by commanding attitude, altitude, airspeed, vertical speed, and heading. It will control the aircraft in pre-programmed VNAV descent profiles, automated Takeoff/Go-Around procedures and it is fully enabled for WAAS guidance capability to fly coupled GPS-only LPV approaches. The EFC900X Avionics Suite can automatically fly any procedure published in the navigation database, including holds, procedure turns, arcs, and missed approaches.

To further enhance the EFC900X suite, Lancair has also selected as standard equipment the L-3 Avionics Systems Trilogy ESI-2000 Electronic Standby Instrument, an advanced solid state standby instrument that makes the truly “all glass” cockpit possible. It displays attitude, airspeed, and (optional) heading data in a layout that closely matches the PFD. The result is a fully integrated TSO’d digital panel that includes all backup information required for safe flight. More than a secondary source of flight data, the “mirror image” of the flight data provided by the PFD enables pilots to make a smooth transition to the backup presentation in an emergency or to quickly spot a mismatch between systems. Emergency operation in the event of an electrical failure is achieved through the use of high energy density lithium-ion technology. The ESI is designed to supply usable flight data for three to four hours on battery power, depending on temperature. In the event of emergency use, the system will re-charge from the aircraft system when able. The EFC900X Avionics Suite will be standard on all Evolutions ordered after July 18, 2011.

Lancair indicated that the new autopilot and Standby instrument only increased the price by $50,000. Lancair said they have sold 38 kits as of today with 10 flying. 1-2 per month are being completed by owners/builders. Lancair also indicated that they are offering complete support to owners from their headquarters since all of the planes have tightly controlled avionics and systems. Unlike other kit planes, the owner/builder gets a complete kit with all of the tough decisions and integration completed. The price of the kit also in the 2 week build assistance and 3 days initial flight training and first year recurring training. All the owner/builder has to add is the paint and interior choices.

FMI: www.lancair.com