BendixKing launches autopilots, engine monitors
Products versioned for certified, experimental markets
BendixKing announced a series of new autopilots and engine monitors at the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Palm Springs, California, at the end of March. Versions of most are being offered for certificated and experimental aircraft.
The company’s new AeroCruze 100 digital autopilot is flexible, and currently compatible with Cessna 172, 175, 177, and 182 aircraft, as well as Piper PA–28 models. The autopilot is available in three form factors: two-inch round, three-inch round, and rectangular. Features include two standard servos, a built-in ground track directional gyro, track select mode, GPS navigation mode, altitude hold, and automatic pitch trim.
BendixKing also launched the compact xPoint 100 engine monitoring system for experimental, light sport, and other non-certified aircraft. It weighs only 13 ounces and features a high-resolution display that can present a wide variety of engine operating parameters. The AeroPoint 200 is designed for certified single-engine aircraft, while the AeroPoint 300 is designed for certified twin-engine aircraft and includes a built-in learning procedure for leaning.
The new products resulted from partnerships—with TruTrak for the autopilots and with JPI for the engine monitoring systems, explained Stephane Fymat, vice president of marketing and product management for BendixKing. “We’ve both been developing products internally, as we always have, and bringing others’ products into the market.” And he sees the relationships as bringing growth to both partners. “We can take this product, and anything like it, around the world—it really is a win-win for both sides.”
BendixKing had more than 20 percent growth in 2018, said Gregg Cohen, president. “Our international growth was a little bigger than domestic.”
The company also announced a dual USB charging port, with a list price of $49—and that it is partnering with Avidyne with its IFD navigator series. “They integrate well with Honeywell displays and autopilots,” Fymat said. The IFD series will be branded as the BendixKing AeroNav 800, 900, and 910.
And BendixKing is not just rebranding and integrating these products, Fymat noted. “We have plans for what we want to do to develop those products.” He said those road maps will guide future developments.
“There is huge excitement with this partnership going forward,” said Andrew Barker, president of TruTrak Flight Systems. “It allows us the opportunity to grow our market as well.”
Open architecture will be key going forward. “Why not have an open architecture with the aircraft?” Fymat asked. “We win, the partners win, and the pilots win.”
“We prefer that open architecture,” Barker added. “We want to work with everyone.”
BendixKing said it would be making additional new product announcements at AERO Friedrichshafen in Germany, April 10 through 13.
