Story ID: 012AvionicsUpdateAINNov12
Mid-Continent Unveils Standby Attitude Module
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: 
Word Count: 176
Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics has been manufacturing standby instruments and backup power supplies for many years and has applied all that knowledge and experience to develop the MD302 standby attitude module. The MD302 is self-contained and provides attitude, altitude, airspeed and slip information in a small package measuring just two inches by five inches and weighing 1.6 pounds. The unit’s small dimensions make it easy to squeeze into just about any instrument panel, and the MD302 can be mounted horizontally or vertically. Two led-backlit LCDs fit into the MD302, with one displaying attitude and the other airspeed and altitude. 
  
The MD302 can interface with primary avionics and synchronizes data from Arinc 429 outputs. The unit is powered by a lithium-ion nanophosphate battery that runs for at least 60 minutes, although in tests it has run for up to 2.5 hours. The MD302 retails for $10,600 and Mid-Continent expects it to receive FAA TSO shortly. The company plans to obtain approved model list STCs for Part 23 airplanes and model-specific certifications for Part 25 airplanes and Part 27 and 29 helicopters.