Available Now For Retrofit On SR22-G2; Development Continues On
'the-jet'
L-3 Communications Avionics Systems announced Thursday it has
received Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization and
Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) for the SmartDeck Integrated Flight Controls
and Display System. The STC has been awarded for the Cirrus Design
SR22 G2 model, and L-3 Avionics will offer the STC through
authorized dealers for retrofit.
"SmartDeck’s revolutionary user interface is designed to
boost pilot confidence and create a safe, simple and
easy-to-control cockpit environment," said Adrienne Stevens,
president of L-3 Avionics Systems. "We’re thrilled to deliver
this state-of-the-art, next-generation avionics system to the
market."
Perhaps SmartDeck's best feature -- and a marked departure from
some other glass panels -- is a simple user interface and
designed the menu structure to support pilot functions in "three
clicks or less." This allows pertinent flight information to be
more rapidly accessible, and less confusing than with other
systems.
"It makes flying safer, easier and more fun," said Stevens.
"When pilots fly the system for the first time, we receive
overwhelmingly positive feedback about the crisp graphics and
overall ease of use. The best way for someone to compare SmartDeck
to other systems is to fly it. It speaks for itself."
SmartDeck is also the only system in
the light aircraft market to include a display dedicated to flight
plan management and communication information as part of its
standard configuration. The Center Console Unit (CCU) is a 4 x 5.25
inch display that frees up space on the multi-function display
(MFD) and enables pilots to continue monitoring a flight while
obtaining airport or flight plan information.
SmartDeck integrates a number of advanced situational awareness
technologies that provide detailed data on navigation, traffic
avoidance, terrain avoidance, communication, flight controls,
engine parameters and enhanced vision. Many of these resources are
made available through the integration of L-3’s products.
L-3 adds SmartDeck is scalable, and designed for installation on
new general aviation aircraft, turboprops and light jets. L-3 is
progressing with Cirrus Design to customize SmartDeck for the
development phase of "the-jet," as announced at the National
Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual convention last
September, as ANN reported.