Big Plans For Small Glass Panels

Homebuilt and LSA 'glass cockpit' provider Dynon Avionics provided an early glimpse of its next generation glass-cockpit EFIS technology at AirVenture 2008 this week. This new system is slated to be released in phases starting next year, and will offer the complete, full-panel integration that has formerly only been found in the most expensive glass cockpit solutions.

"From the start, our vision has been to provide an integrated avionics solution that can do it all. There are high-end solutions that exist today, but they are simply out of reach for most homebuilders and Light Sport Aircraft customers. This new product line will make fully-integrated glass cockpit technology affordable," said John Torode, President of Dynon Avionics.

Dynon says its next generation platform leverages the avionics design expertise Dynon has gained through its current EFIS and EMS systems. From there, Dynon took a fresh look at what today's homebuilders and sport pilots are looking for and is building a next generation platform that is powerful, comprehensive, expandable, and affordable.

In contrast to its current line of self-contained products, Dynon's next generation system will be modular in design. Separating the displays from the other components of the system will allow customers to start with the number of screens of their choosing. From there, they can build a custom system by adding the modules that are right for their aircraft and budget.

For example, different sized screens can be mixed and matched. Other possibilities include using multiple ADAHRS (Air Data, Attitude, and Heading Reference System) modules for flight instrument redundancy. Similarly, multiple engine monitoring modules will eventually be supported for use in twin-engine aircraft.

Configurations similar to Dynon Avionics' current product line will continue to be possible. Stand-alone primary flight displays, engine monitors, and moving maps are all products which can be configured with this modular system. Additionally, this distributed architecture should improve field-serviceability of Dynon products, by allowing modules to be replaced and serviced individually.

Another advantage of a modular design is the ability for Dynon to offer screens that will be less than 3" deep (final dimensions to be determined). This will improve installation options for customers with tandem-seat aircraft, as well as for customers that have minimal space behind their instrument panels.

LED-backlit screens will be available in both 7" and 10" versions. They will be the brightest screens that Dynon has ever offered, improving on the current screens now available.

Dynon says it has always sought to offer a GPS-based moving map, but realized that a viable product needed to compete with the graphics and usability of the various -- and impressive -- portable handheld GPS units on the market. In the next generation system, a dedicated 3D graphics processor built into each screen will provide the horsepower needed to draw a large map smoothly at a high frame rate. Dual joystick knobs will let pilots pan and zoom the map, a key feature which is cumbersome or missing in many other panel-mounted maps.

The map will initially feature terrain, aviation, and obstruction data. Further down the road, the moving map will be expanded to include other data sources such as traffic and weather. The dedicated 3D graphics processor will also enable forward-looking synthetic vision at a high frame rate. This will allow pilots to see the terrain and obstructions in front of them. When using the Dynon moving map to navigate, a "highway-in-the-sky" depiction of the desired path will guide pilots visually through the air.

Dynon says the next generation system will also include an autopilot, and an engine monitoring module that can be mounted in an area that is most convenient for the aircraft builder. Radios and transponders will also be included down the line.

The displays being shown at AirVenture are early prototypes, so some details are subject to change. Starting in 2009, different elements of the system will come to market progressively. Initially, Dynon expects to have both the 7" and 10" screens available, along with the ADAHRS module that provides all of the primary flight instruments. This will enable a system that has a complete PFD with synthetic vision and moving map.

Engine monitor, autopilot, radio, and transponder integration will follow after the initial release.

FMI: www.dynonavionics.com