Companies Are Developing Interface Between Digital Autopilot And Electronic Flight Display

Two companies best known for serving opposite ends of the avionics spectrum are developing an interface between the Aspen Evolution displays and the Avidyne DFC90 Digital Autopilot.

EFD1000, DFC90

"The combination of Aspen's integrated Air Data and Attitude Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) and Avidyne's innovative safety features is a powerful offering for those seeking an affordable, all-digital solution," says Aspen President and CEO John Uczekaj. He adds, "Aspen's collaboration with Avidyne delivers upon our philosophy of openness and interoperability, enabling new options for owners to update their aircraft with advanced, best-of-breed avionics capabilities."

"With their versatile Evolution display systems, Aspen can retrofit into a wide variety of aircraft with varied avionics configurations and we are pleased to be working with them on the interface with our DFC90," said Patrick Herguth, Avidyne's Chief Operating Officer.  "The DFC90 is the leading retrofit autopilot solution today for high-performance aircraft. The combination of the DFC90's innovative safety features like Flight Envelope Protection and Straight & Level button with the Aspen displays creates the opportunity to expand the retrofit market."   

Aspen Evolution Displays are already compatible with Avidyne's industry-leading TAS600 Traffic Advisory Systems. The DFC90 is currently certified with Avidyne's Entegra Integrated Flight Deck displays in Cirrus aircraft. Avidyne and Aspen will be gauging customer interest in future programs and airframes.

TAS600

Certification of the DFC90 and Evolution display interface will be completed later this year.  Pricing for the DFC90 autopilot starts at $9,995, and Aspen pricing will be forthcoming.

FMI: www.aspenavionics.com, www.avidyne.com