Also Adds More Shifts To ABQ Manufacturing Plant

Aspen Avionics, makers of the Evolution Flight Display system, announced Tuesday their new Evolution Weather Receiver. The receiver will deliver the full suite of XM WX Satellite Weather aviation products featuring graphical in-flight weather data, and present integrated weather hazard data on Evolution Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and Primary Flight Displays (PFDs).

The receiver, made exclusively for Aspen by Heads Up Technologies, is designed to deliver the datalink weather capabilities of Evolution Hazard Awareness built into the Evolution Flight Display system.

"The new Evolution Weather Receiver gives the pilot access to the full range of XM WX Satellite Weather aviation products-including NEXRAD radar graphics, IR satellite cloud cover at a range of altitudes, winds aloft graphics, METARs, TAFs, and more," said Doug Cayne, Aspen Avionics' VP of Marketing. "The receiver works with a one-, two- or three-tube Evolution Flight Display system, in a certified, panel-mount solution for about the same price as a handheld backup GPS. Aspen is pleased... to make this critical in-flight safety resource more affordable for GA aircraft owners and pilots."

The Evolution Weather Receiver will be available as part of a new Evolution Flight Display system or as an upgrade starting in early second quarter 2009, at a suggested retail price of $2,495. When bought as part of a new EFD1000 MFD system, the Evolution Weather Receiver can be added for just $2,000 more, a 20 percent savings. Other special pricing will be available for customers buying a new EFD1000 Pro PFD with the EHA option package, and for existing customers upgrading their Pro PFD to EHA with the Weather Receiver.

Aspen recently added a second shift for manufacturing due to heavy demand. They also emphasized their customer support system. Currently employing 63 people in their 28,000 square foot facility in Albuquerque, NM, they are presently sponsoring both the AirVenture North 40 camping area and the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team.

The Evolution Flight Display system replaces aging mechanical flight instruments with the latest microprocessor-based systems incorporating solid-state sensors and flat panel displays. The replacement costs less than the analog gauges it replaces.

The company also announced its EFD1000 Electronic Flight Instrument System with the Primary Flight Display was recently certified via TSO and STC for over 625 makes and models. According to an Aspen spokesman, the system has been installed on a 1949 Bonanza and many newer models.

The autopilot supports Bendix/King, S-TEC, Century, and Cessna ARC systems. Check out all the Aspen products at Booth B2126.

FMI: www.aspenavionics.com