Console Is First Graphical Touch Screen Display Manages Cabin Communications

In what it says is the industry's first touch screen graphical telecom display facilitating communications management for large aircraft, TrueNorth Avionics this week introduced the Simphone Master Console ... a full-color, touch-screen graphical display of all communications links and stations, enabling active management of all aircraft telecommunications functions for large aircraft. Initial installations are being performed on a variety of Airbus business aircraft by Gore Design Completions, San Antonio, TX.

"We've actually found a way to design a system that lets aircraft operators manage all their in-flight cabin communications from a single station, including all links and over 100 onboard handsets," noted Mark van Berkel, TrueNorth's president. "While not for every type of aircraft, it's a clear demonstration of the power of our Simphone system."

A related device recently introduced by the company is the first FAA-approved and DO-160 qualified wireless telephone handset using a new high-capacity Lithium-Ion (Li-I) battery technology. The company says the new battery meets the stringent TSO criteria while delivering "unprecedented" energy density, resistance to 'memory effect' and slow charge loss when not in use. In addition to the battery TSO the light and compact handset has been tested and passed the stringent flammability tests and rigorous environmental testing that is required to be able to be certified by the FAA and other worldwide airworthiness authorities.

True North says the handset is currently being installed on a number of aircraft types but notably an Airbus A318 Elite aircraft completed by Lufthansa Technik, and the Airbus Corporate Jet Centre has also ordered units.

FMI: www.TrueNorthAvionics.com