The new R10.2.3.1 software update for Avidyne’s IFD series navigator allows the units to interface with Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, including flight director and autopilot coupling for LPV approaches. Installing an IFD system in legacy turbine aircraft eliminates “the need for more costly OEM display hardware and software upgrades,” according to Avidyne.
The Avidyne IFD’s GPS Legacy Avionics Support (GLAS) also provides synthetic vision, electronic charts, ADS-B, and wireless connectivity to Stratus ADS-B receivers, ForeFlight’s EFB app, and other Wi-Fi devices. Other features include ADS-B In weather and traffic integration with ForeFlight, support for L3’s Lynx NGT-9000 ADS-B transponder, support for Garmin’s G5 HSI and GDL 69A SiriusXM weather datalink, and a host of display and other capabilities.
Pilots can practice using the new features with Avidyne’s iPad IFD Trainer app. While the software update is a free upgrade for IFD owners (installation labor not included), the GLAS enablement costs $24,999 per aircraft.
“With our popular IFD series gaining wider adoption throughout the GA market, Avidyne is now actively targeting legacy turbine-class aircraft, starting with the Citation and King Air fleets, where there are a significant numbers of aircraft operators who are looking for more affordable safety and performance enhancements like GPS-based SBAS/LPV approaches, synthetic vision, electronic charts, ADS-B, and wireless connectivity,” said Avidyne CEO Dan Schwinn. “We have worked closely with several key installation partner-dealers to put together a turnkey package that delivers cost-effective, reduced downtime solutions that will dramatically improve their ability to fly in today’s airspace and keep these aircraft flying safely and efficiently for a long time to come.”