Adds Engine Information To Honeywell Avionics

ASB Avionics LLC (ASB) told ANN this week it has earned FAA approval for adding digital Engine Instrument Display (EID) capability to the previously approved Honeywell CDS/R Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) for the L382G Hercules, civilian version of the C-130H cargo aircraft.

The EID installation -- approved through an amendment to STC ST01162LA -- utilizes dual Ametek Engine Interface Units (EIU) to transform existing analog engine sensor information into digital format for display on the Honeywell displays. Each EIU has dual channel redundancy and is transferable from the EID to either the pilots' Multi-Function Display (MFD) in the event of a display fault.

All five displays -- pilot's and copilot's Primary Flight Display (PFD) and MFDs, and EID -- are identical and interchangeable. Flight display controls are located in the glareshield and the Landing Gear Control panel has been redesigned making it easily accessible to either crew member.

ASB's modular approach to production makes the transformation from the traditional "round-dial" instrument panel to the 5-display "flat-panel" installation a ninety (90) day process. ASB also offers a variety of communication, navigation, and situational awareness avionics packages including dual Flight Management Systems (FMS) and triple Inertial Navigation Sensors (INS).

ASB Avionics is currently working with avionics manufacturers to offer dual Heads-Up Displays (HUD), an Enhanced Vision System (EVS), and NVIS compatible lighting systems. ASB is also in-process with Honeywell on a map and chart server for the CDS/R and a digital replacement for the current analog Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).

The original approval of ST01162LA was for a 3-display (with analog engine instruments) CDS/R Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) and has been installed on 10 aircraft, most of which are now scheduled for retrofit to the 5-display system. ASB also holds STC ST01574LA and FAA Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) for the C-130/L-382 Integral Dorsal Fin HF Shunt Antenna.

FMI: www.asbavionics.com