Avidyne Corp. is closing in on a long list of new product certifications, covering nearly all of the key points on the panel. The IFD 540 and IFD 440 navigators, announced in 2012, are on final approach to the first deliveries, beginning with the IFD 540 ($16,995) later this year and the IFD 440 ($14,995) to follow about six months later.
The 540 and 440 are designed as slide-in replacements for Garmin’s 530 and 430 series units, respectively.
Company officials also briefed attendees at the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Las Vegas March 26 on the imminent supplemental type certificate (STC) for the DFC 90 autopilot for Cirrus installations in conjunction with Aspen displays (the unit is already approved and installed in Cirrus and other models equipped with the Entegra display). An STC for the DFC 90 in Beechcraft V-35 Bonanza models equipped with Aspen displays is expected in the second quarter of 2013, adding to the growing list of STCs available for Part 23 fixed-wing aircraft. The DFC 90, starting at $9,995, offers safety features including a straight-and-level button, envelope alerting, and envelope protection.
Also coming soon, approvals for the AMS 240 audio panel and AXP 340 transponder, which has Mode S capability and, in conjunction with a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) GPS, satisfies the 2020 mandate for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out.
“We’re going to certify a lot of products this year,” said Jared Butson, Avidyne’s director of sales. “All hitting (the market) and shipping by the end of this year.”
Avidyne also announced it is supporting the Capstone Data Interface Protocol for ADS-B, joining Aspen Avionics and FreeFlight Systems in supporting a standardized interface that will allow devices from participating manufacturers to be installed in the same panel.
