WingX Pro7 Version 6 Delivers Synthetic Vision, Integrates With AHRS

As of Tuesday, aviation synthetic vision is available on the iPad. Hilton Software LLC announced the addition of Synthetic Vision to its flagship WingX Pro7 for iPad product. WingX Pro7’s new Synthetic Vision depicts 3D terrain using its high-resolution terrain database, obstacles using a comprehensive obstacle database, and airport runways. Terrain and obstacles that are above or slightly below the airplane’s altitude are shaded red and yellow respectively. Also displayed are speed and altitude tapes and a Zero Pitch Line that shows the aircraft’s altitude in relation to nearby terrain. Pilots can move to any airport in the country and can look around the airport in all directions and at all altitudes by sliding their finger over the Synthetic Vision view. This enables pilots to visualize a preferred route of arrival or departure for the airport. The Synthetic Vision can be displayed full-screen or simultaneously with other charts such as a VFR sectional or geo-referenced approach chart using WingX Pro7’s unique split screen view.

Hilton Software LLC partnered with BA3 LLC to develop and integrate Synthetic Vision into WingX Pro7. BA3’s engineering team of graphics experts delivered a solution with an incredible combination of performance and stunning graphics by making full use of the iPad 2’s dual-core CPU and high-performance graphics hardware. “Our mission was clear: to design and build a high-performance first-of-its kind Synthetic Vision engine for iPad," said Bruce Shankle, CEO and founder of BA3 LLC. "In WingX Pro7 Version 6 you can see several hundred miles in every direction to get a sense of terrain, obstacles, and runway layouts. This new iPad technology is the kind of innovation that is a true game-changer. WingX Pro7 with Synthetic Vision is a must-have for any pilot, private or commercial. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Hilton Software to deliver amazing graphics technology.”

In addition, Hilton Software LLC worked closely with Levil Technology to integrate their new Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) unit and enable it to drive the Synthetic Vision display wirelessly. The result is a truly amazing real-time depiction of the view outside and provides incredible situational awareness for pilots flying at night, in reduced visibility, or even in perfect day conditions. Levil Technology’s new AHRS unit will be introduced at Airventure 2011 and is planned to sell for approximately $750. Although the AHRS unit is not required to view the Synthetic Vision, this powerful combination of WingX Pro7’s new Synthetic Vision and AHRS significantly reduces the price point and adds an additional level of aviation safety. “This is the most exciting instrument Levil has worked on thus far," said Ruben D. Leon, founder and president of Levil Technology. "We took what we learned from our AHRS technology, improved it and made it portable. WingX Pro7 combined with our AHRS technology is truly the ideal backup solution for every pilot.”

“When we delivered WingX Pro7 Version 5 with its split-screen, terrain overlays on enroute charts, and ADS-B in-flight weather, many of our customers said that WingX Pro7 had all the features we could add," said Dr. Hilton Goldstein, founder of Hilton Software LLC. "To the contrary, we were just getting started and Version 6 shows how we continue to push the envelope. This latest solution reduces the avionics cost to the homebuilt and experimental markets and provides an inexpensive backup and cross-reference display for all pilots. In our boldest move yet, we continue to shift the convention away from dedicated systems with high annual subscription fees. At just $99 per year, WingX Pro7’s new AHRS-driven Synthetic Vision is incredibly disruptive technology and we are proud to be leading the way. We are the leader and it is exciting.”

Availability WingX Pro7 Version 6 is a free update for registered users and will be available for download from the App Store and iTunes in July 2011. WingX Pro7 is iOS 3, iOS 4, iPad, and iPad 2 compatible. Synthetic Vision requires a separate $99 annual subscription. See company website for a complete feature list by platform.

FMI: www.hiltonsoftware.com