Mon, Aug 04, 2008
Provides Wx Info, Text Messaging Through Iridium Network
Avidyne's two-way datalink transceiver, the MLX770, will now
deliver graphical weather and two-way text messaging capability for
general aviation operations virtually anywhere in the
world.
The MLX770 utilizes Avidyne's Network Operations Center (NOC)
and the 66-satellite Iridium constellation to deliver strategic
datalink weather services to Entegra- and EX500-equipped
aircraft.
"This is an especially attractive feature for many of our
customers who have not had access to broadcast datalink weather
services like those found in the continental US," said Bill
Schillhammer, Avidyne's Director of International Sales. "Until
now, they've had no alternatives or have had to rely on limited
access to much higher-cost corporate aviation solutions that are
available internationally. The MLX770 can now be utilized to assist
pilots in making go/no-go decisions on the ground, and to fly more
strategically while en route."
The MLX770 provides weather data with satellite signal coverage
at all altitudes, even on the ground. Its datalink service
includes graphical and textual METARS, TAFs, Winds and Temperatures
Aloft, and in-flight weather advisories (NOTAMs). Radar and
lightning are also available as premium offerings. Additionally,
the MLX770 provides convenient two-way SMS text messaging from an
airborne MFD to any ground-based SMS-capable mobile phone or e-mail
address, allowing pilots to communicate with family and friends
from their aircraft in flight.
The compact MLX770 datalink transceiver weighs only 1.64 kgs
(3.6 lbs.) and is contained in a 152mm x 203mm x 76mm
(6.0"x8.0"x3.0") box. It can be mounted with our without the
optional mounting tray. The MLX770 uses an Iridium patch antenna,
which measures 88mm in diameter x 14mm high (3.5" dia x ¾")
and fits easily on virtually any light general aviation aircraft or
helicopter. Designed specifically for Avidyne Entegra customers and
EX-series MFDs users, the MLX770 provides access to ground-based
weather radar data, METARs-meteorological activity reports that
typically summarize actual weather at an aerodrome on a 30-60
minute basis, TAFs-Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts which give
predicted weather conditions expected at an aerodrome, usually for
a 9 or 24 hour period, and textual winds and temperatures aloft
information at various altitudes. Additionally, weather advisories
for a particular flight information region are provided via the
NOTAMs product.
Pricing for the globally-capable MLX770 Two-Way Datalink
Transceiver with antenna starts at $11,995 USD plus installation.
Avidyne is accepting orders now for the MLX770, with initial
deliveries beginning in Q4 2008.
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