Universal Avionics Systems Corporation of the US is showing off its latest cutting edge products and solutions at the 15^th edition of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (Ebace). 

These include a new integrated flight deck, a new, affordable and integrated Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out solution and new upgrade incentive Programmes to help operators equip for ADS-B Out and Link 2000+.


INSIGHT

Universal Avionics’ InSight integrated flight deck is said to be the first in the business aviation market to utilise the Jeppesen Airport Mapping Database (AMDB). 

Through reliable access to worldwide airport information that is accurate, timely and high-quality, InSight operators are ensured increased efficiency and safety through improved situational awareness.

InSight’s synthetic vision system (SVS) uses AMDB data to render accurate, high-resolution airport diagrams. 

Runways with actual markings, taxiways, parking areas, buildings and other obstructions, surface roads and construction areas are all shown. 

Some of the busiest airports in Europe such as London (LHR), Paris (CDG) and Frankfurt (FRA) are continuously faced with increased congestion, even while taxiing. This technology aids in improving the operator’s situational awareness and complements surface navigation, increasing safety margins and operational efficiency.

“We are proud to have partnered with Jeppesen to be the first to bring this exceptional technology to the business aviation market,” says Dan Reida, Universal Avionics Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The realistic display of the airport environment is truly unparalleled,” he  adds.

“Integrating our airport mapping data with the InSight integrated flight feck enhances situational awareness for business aviation operators,” says Mike Abbott, Director, Jeppesen Navigation and Flight Deck Programs. “The synthetic vision capabilities of the InSight system allows for display of dynamic airport diagrams and data to further enhance operational efficiency and reduce pilot workload.”

InSight is designed as an integrated flight deck solution, featuring an embedded  SVS with advanced mapping capability, electronic charts, radio control, broadcast weather support and graphical flight planning. 

InSight presents an adaptable design that's flexible and easily installed/configured, proving valuable in retrofit applications. 

The first installation is on the company’s Cessna Citation VII with the Supplemental Type Certification (STC) expected in the fourth quarter of 2015. The InSight is also ideal for forward-fit applications. MD Helicopters is the launch OEM customer with the InSight integrated flight deck on the next generation MD Explorer helicopter.


ADS-B OUT SOLUTION

Universal Avionics has joined forces with Rockwell Collins to offer an incentive programme designed to allow operators to combine the Rockwell Collins TDR-94(D) Mode S Transponder with its SBAS-Flight Management System (FMS).

The SBAS-FMS is an approved ARINC 743A position source, required for ADS-B Out compliance. As the foundation of the ADS-B solution, it interfaces with all ADS-B transponders including the commonly used TDR-94(D).

In addition to meeting the ADS-B Out mandate, operators are able to provision for Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV), unlike other stand-alone solutions.

“The biggest value of this package is that operators receive a new, integrated SBAS-FMS,” says Carey Miller, Universal Avionics Manager of Business Development. “While providing ADS-B Out compliance, our solution also provides a path to future technologies and mandates such as LPV and Link 2000. Other solutions only address ADS-B Out.”

“We are proud to be working with Universal Avionics as customers worldwide equip to fly in modernising airspace. For operators currently flying Universal Avionics equipment, our TDR-94(D) pairs perfectly with Universal’s FMS to bring proven DO-260B compliant ADS-B,” says Adam Evanschwartz, Director of CS Marketing for Rockwell Collins.

Operators can take advantage of this limited-time incentive programme to meet these future mandates while simultaneously adding value to their aircraft through additional capability, improved safety and fuel economy.

European operators also need to consider recent developments under the new Data Link Services Implementing Rule (DLS-IR). The list of exempt aircraft will be reduced which could affect their equipage requirements, but the final list has not yet been published. With an estimated 40 avionics shops in Europe capable of installing the ADS-B Out and Link 2000+ solution, operators need to consider an update fairly soon to “beat the rush” of the estimated 4,000 corporate aircraft that will need these updates by 2020.

Current Universal Avionics legacy FMS operators may be able to keep their Control Display Unit (CDU) and install an SBAS Navigation Computer Unit (NCU) with antenna and TDR-94(D) Mode S Transponder for an even more affordable solution.


UPGRADE INCENTIVES

Universal Avionics is also offering upgrade incentive programmes for the SBAS-FMS and UniLink UL-800/801 Communications Management Unit (CMU), to help operators follow the path to ADS-B Out and Link 2000+/ CPDLC compliance.

Throughout 2015, operators may trade-in their qualified legacy FMS or GPS system for a new SBAS-capable Universal Avionics FMS. 

Operators that equip their aircraft with SBAS-FMS also experience many other benefits such as Performance Based Navigation (PBN), larger database memory, dependable data and reliable subscription service, and access to over 3,972 APV (LPV) approaches worldwide.

In addition, the SBAS-FMS is part of Universal Avionics Link 2000+/CPDLC solution. Universal Avionics’ second incentive program allows operators of legacy Universal Avionics and non-Universal Avionics equipment to trade-in their existing data link system for the popular UniLink UL-800/801 CMU, provisioned for Link 2000+.

Along with CPDLC capabilities, operators of the UniLink UL-800/801 CMU gain Embedded Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) capability, ACARS/CMU functionality, uplink forecast winds, Flight Information Services and more.

Universal Avionics is a leading manufacturer of innovative avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for the largest diversification of aircraft types in the industry. 

Now in its 15^th edition, Ebace is currently under way at the Palexpo centre in Geneva, Sqitzerland, until May 21, and Universal Avionics’ is at stand Z108 at the event.