Astronautics has recently delivered the 100th example of its updated electronic flight bag (EFB) system to Boeing’s 787 program, nearly two years after announcing the upgrade. It is the EFB system’s first update since the jetliner entered service in 2011.
The faster, more robust system can be installed on in-service Boeing 787s this summer, according to Astronautics (Hall 2, Stand 2584). Astronautics' block point five (BP5) EFB is a form and fit replacement for the block point four (BP4) systems currently deployed on 787s.
“This newly upgraded BP5 puts in place faster processing, larger storage capacity, and the latest operating system, all built for long-term support,” said Astronautics president Chad Cundiff.
The BP5’s modular design allows certain EFB functions to be upgraded without having to physically replace the units. That will save installation time and maintenance costs. The new BP5 also is a pure drop-in replacement for BP4s, with no changes needed to wiring, power, cooling, or the avionics rack. Pilots can access aircraft data through the BP5’s ARINC 429 and Ethernet interfaces.
Boeing and the Milwaukee-based Astronautics introduced the first EFB to the air transport sector on the 777 in 2001.