UPS Aviation Technologies announced the release of its latest software enhancements for the popular MX20 multi-function display. Version 5.0 software includes several new features designed to enhance situational awareness in the cockpit.

The MX20 will display InFlight graphical weather information from Weather Services International (WSI). WSI is a leading supplier of digital weather services for aviation use and has co-developed the InFlight products with NASA. The MX20 will display two kilometer resolution NEXRAD weather radar with color-coded precipitation and other important weather data for the continental U.S. These high-resolution satellite broadcasts, are updated every five minutes and can be received on the ground prior to departure. The ability to receive weather data on the ground or in the sky is a distinct advantage over ground-based weather providers. The MX20 also displays textual and graphical METARs, TAFs, Echo Tops, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and graphical TFRs.

“We are very pleased to offer the full compliment of weather products from WSI,” says Sam Seery, Director of Sales and Marketing for UPS Aviation Technologies. “It’s a nice addition for our MX20 customers looking to add graphical and textual weather.”

Customers must purchase a satellite receiver from an authorized WSI dealer and subscribe to a monthly revision service. For additional information on weather products, prices, and monthly rates you can call WSI at 1-800-872-2359. A split screen feature for the MX20 also has been added to allow side-by-side viewing of any two MX20 charting functions. A vertical profile image can be viewed on the MX20 allowing pilots to see terrain peaks and obstructions ahead based on their current flight path and flight level. Conflicts are easily seen and avoided; complementing the terrain advisory features of the MX20.

Version 5.0 streamlines operation when the MX20 is used in conjunction with the new CNX80 GPS/WAAS Integrated Avionics System. Changing ranges on the CNX80 can automatically control ranges on the MX20. Even more impressive is when selecting an approach on the CNX80; the approach plate is automatically loaded and displayed on MX20’s with the Chart View option. “This combination greatly reduces pilot workload and is simply unbeatable for situational awareness during approaches,” says Sam Seery.

Two radar models have been added to the list of compatible weather radar units for the MX20 I/O models. These include the Bendix/King RDR 2100 and the RDS81 units. The MX20 I/O can also be used in conjunction with Honeywell TAWS sensors including the EGPWS Mark VII and KGP-560 TAWS model. The MX20 with version 5.0 will start shipping from the factory this May.

Current MX20 customers can receive the 5.0 software free with a paid update of the navigation data in their units. The MX20 and MX20 I/O software and navigation data can be replaced via the front panel data card. Cost of a one–time navigation data update is $150.00. Chart View customers and pilots who want to receive the updates or wish to inquire further should call UPS Aviation Technologies Technical Support at: (800) 525-6726 ext. 3991 (U.S), or 800.654.3415 ext.3991 (Canada).

FMI: www.upsat.com