Avidyne Corporation announced that they have received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval and an Approved Model List- Supplemental Type Certificate (AML-STC) for their new IFD550 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM with Attitude Reference System (ARS). This certification also includes FAA approval of Release 10.2 (R10.2) software provide include a host of new features including Synthetic Vision and two-way wireless connectivity with Avidyne’s new IFD100 iPad App. Avidyne has also received approval for their new, IFD545, IFD510 and IFD410 FMS/GPS systems.
“Release 10.2 was a significant undertaking that adds Synthetic Vision and expands our line of IFD Series of FMS/GPS products, bringing them to a whole new level of capability, and setting them far apart from anything else available in the market,” said Avidyne president, Dan Schwinn. “Our new flagship IFD550 includes an integrated ARS which delivers unique Synthetic Vision and WAAS approach capabilities to a large number of aircraft that simply would have had no other options before now. It’s really terrific, and there’s simply nothing else like it.”
“With integrated Synthetic Vision and built-in wireless connectivity capabilities, no other navigators offer so much functionality, situational awareness, and ease of use,” said Mitch Biggs, Avidyne’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Any aircraft owner upgrading their old panel-mounted navigator to an Avidyne IFD can get a modern hybrid touch-screen WAAS GPS, a place to view ADS-B traffic and weather, and a gorgeous Synthetic Vision display all in the same panel space.”
About the IFD550
Avidyne’s new IFD550 is a full-featured FMS/GPS/NAV/COM with all the same functionality of Avidyne’s current IFD540, but with the addition of an integrated Attitude Reference Sensor (ARS). The ARS detects Pitch and Roll motion and enables the display of dynamic Synthetic Vision (SVS) with full-motion three-dimensional “out-the-window” views as well as exocentric “in-trail” views of the aircraft and nearby terrain, obstacles, traffic and terrain. The IFD550 also gives pilots the ability to toggle SVS off and view a traditional blue-over-brown attitude display, as well as overlay of Horizontal and Vertical Deviation Indicators, a Total Velocity Vector (TVV)/Flight Path Marker, and adjustable field of regard. IFD550 has a list price starting at $21,999.
About Release 10.2
Avidyne’s new Release 10.2 software is available for field-loadable upgrade for existing IFD540 and IFD440 systems, giving these customers the ability to display Synthetic Vision views of the host aircraft, along with overlay of flightplan, color-contoured terrain, obstacles, full color 3D traffic and terrain warnings. R10.2 features include:
- Exocentric (in-trail) Synthetic Vision, providing 3D depiction of flight path, nearby terrain, traffic, and obstacles.
- Full Two-way Wireless connection to Avidyne IFD100 iPad App
- Wireless Flightplan transfer into the IFD
- Orbit-around-a-point – Circular Holds
- Software enablement for RDR2000 Radar display on IFD 5-Series
- Ability to have User Wpt as Origin
- Full mapping of all keys on MK10 Bluetooth Keyboard
- Non-TSO TAWS functionality
- Support for European VFR (Bottlang®) Charts
- Support for TIS/GTX330ES/GTX335/GTX345 protocols
- Enables 16 Watt Power Output option on IFD440
- Improvements to Australian Published Holds
- Hardware option for RS-170 Video input and display on IFD 5-Series
- Wireless connectivity with growing list of third-party Apps
- more
About the IFD100
Avidyne’s IFD100 iPad app gives pilots a fully redundant, large-format map that wirelessly connects to their IFD 4-Series or 5-Series GPS FMS system. It’s like having an additional large-screen instance of the IFD in the cockpit that pilots can configure and operate just like a panel-mounted IFD. On board ADS-B weather and traffic can be sent wirelessly to the iPad for display on the large-screen moving map. The IFD100 App is offered as a free download from the iTunes App Store for all IFD customers.
About the IFD545, IFD510 & IFD410
Avidyne is adding three new models of FMS/GPS-only (no VHF NAV/COM radio) models, the IFD545, IFD510, and IFD410. Each of these systems offer Synthetic Vision, Hybrid Touch, and integrated wireless capability. The IFD545 and IFD510 are designed as slide-in replacements for legacy GPS500 Series navigators, while the IFD410 can easily replace the GPS400, while providing all these significant new capabilities.
Pricing & Availability
Release 10.2 Software Upgrade for existing IFD540 and IFD440 units is available for download directly from the Avidyne website at no charge. Optionally, the software is available on USB memory stick for $150 from Avidyne. Costs do not include dealer labor to upgrade existing systems.
All new-production IFD 5-Series and 4-Series models are available now and will begin shipping immediately with R10.2 functionality.
Pricing for IFD models with Synthetic Vision start at $9,499.
A full retail price list for all models is available.
