Story ID: 
Mid-Continent unveils bevy of TAWS controllers
By: AIN Staff
Caption: Wichita-based Mid-Continent Instruments is featuring six new versions of its MD41 terrain awareness system controller at Booth No.
Word Count: 210
Wichita-based Mid-Continent Instruments is featuring six new versions of its MD41 terrain awareness system controller at Booth No. 866. These units are designed to satisfy an FAA mandate to place terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) annunciation and mode selection within the pilot’s direct field of view.Interestingly, Honeywell as well as Goodrich, a defendant in Honeywell’s TAWS patent infringement lawsuit, have selected Mid-Continent MD41 series Terrain Awareness Control Units (TACUs) for use in conducting future STC approvals. TACU is the latest iteration of the MD41 controller, which has been widely used for GPS/VOR tuning and display interface. The new TACU products provide primary or secondary TAWS annunciations, using LED displays meeting specific OEM requirements. They also enable mode selection through internally lighted pushbuttons with tactile switch feedback. The .8-in.-high and 3.5- in.-deep units are available in widths of 2.75 in. or 2.25 in. to accommodate a variety of instrument panel mountings.Also at NBAA ’02, Mid-Continent is spotlighting its role as a master distributor for the EVAC-U8 smoke hood, said to give its wearer up to 20 minutes to exit a fire area in ground, air and marine environments. It protects eyes from smoke while filtering air to keep lungs free of carbon monoxide and other toxic combustion by-products.