Aspen Evolution upgrades prove popular
Discounted pricing expires in April
Aspen Avionics reports strong demand from customers to upgrade to the latest generation of its Evolution flight displays, the MAX series of primary flight displays (PFDs) and multifunction displays (MFDs).
During the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Palm Springs, California, on March 25, Aspen said that customers can upgrade to its MAX products, which were announced at EAA AirVenture in 2018, at a discounted price until the end of April.
Aspen allows owners to upgrade their existing Aspen EFIS system regardless of age or condition, receiving the latest avionics glass technology, hardware, and faster processing speeds. Upgrades include a new two-year warranty and cost about as much as a steam gauge overhaul, the company said.
Certification of the new Evolution MAX flight displays originally was anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2018. The company is working with the FAA to complete certification, which currently is expected in the second quarter of 2019, and customers are preordering to obtain an upgrade slot after certification is received.
Current customers are encouraged to take advantage of this upgrade program before the promotional pricing period expires at the end of April, Uczekaj said. “This program rewards our longstanding customers to upgrade at an exceptional price for a limited time. Even after the promotional period expires, this program continues to provide an exceptional value in keeping Aspen Avionics customers’ equipment up to date.”
Introductory MAX upgrades remain available through April 30 at $2,995 for a single Evolution 1000 PFD MAX; $4,995 for an EFD1000 Pro MAX PFD with 1000/500 MAX MFD; and $5,995 for an EFD1000 Pro MAX PFD, 1000 MAX MFD, and 500 MAX MFD. New Evolution MAX units are priced at $9,995 for an Evolution Pro 1000 MAX PFD; $5,495 for an Evolution MFD500 MAX MFD; and $8,995 for an Evolution MFD1000 MAX MFD.
The pending upgrades announced last year, with redesigned electronics and new glass, will give Evolution MAX displays a bolder and brighter screen with higher reliability and several customer-requested functions, including font and window enlargement and faster processing speeds, while retaining Aspen’s unique design that keeps installation costs down. MAX displays can be configured with one, two, or three units, providing more glass display area and allowing aircraft owners to install a system in stages.
Aspen also is offering an upgrade path for its recently certified EFD1000 E5 electronic flight instrument announced in March 2018. The $4,995 upgrade converts the E5 to a full, TSOed MAX display—continuing to demonstrate the company’s commitment to avionics platforms that can grow with a pilot’s needs.
The company said it has a customer base of about 15,000 worldwide.
