Garmin has extended its lead in general aviation integrated flightdecks with two new G1000 applications, but L-3 Avionics Systems has announced a long-awaited launch customer for its SmartDeck.
EADS Socata is already flying a TBM 850 equipped with Garmin's G1000, but is not saying when it expects certification. In addition to two 12in (305mm) primary flight displays and a 15in multifunction display, the system includes a Garmin autopilot, which will also, for the first time, automatically trim power-induced yaw on the turboprop single.
Piper has also selected a G1000 system with two PFDs, one MFD and autopilot. The single-engined PiperJet is scheduled to fly in the second quarter of next year, aiming for certification in mid-2010. The fuselage is built and wing and empennage - changed from straight to swept tailplane after windtunnel tests - are being finished.
The SmartDeck for Cirrus Design's single-engined "the-jet" includes two 12in displays integrated communications, navigation, engine monitoring, weather, traffic and terrain avoidance S-TEC's digital autopilot and L-3's Iris uncooled infrared enhanced-vision system. Deliveries to Cirrus are to begun around 2010.
Source: Flight International
