Monday, April 23, 2012

flyTab Demos High-Flying iPad EFB

Simulated flight driven by Garmin GNS 430

Welcome to Wired!

In partnership with Shadin Avionics and App Orchard, ASIG has developed and is now demonstrating its flyTab iPad EFB driven by a Garmin GNS 430. The units are connected by the Avionics Interface Module, which seamlessly translates A-429 and/or Mil-Std-1553 (per end-user requirement) data.

Displaying a three-airport flight plan running on the 430, the flyTab demonstrates its growing number of features. Chart centering works not only on the full range of visual, instrument, and terminal charts but also on Google Maps, available through a wired direct connection interface.

The flyTab also displays threats and textual weather information. The graphic weather app development is nearing its beta test. With the interface module, users can tap into any ARINC A-429 data, including information from the air data computer such as airspeed and altitude as well as traffic, terrain and weather data.

Before any iPad can fly in commercial or military service, it must pass environmental tests, including rapid decompression. Apple set the 2012 iPad maximum operating altitude at 10,000 feet. The FAA requires every iPad to be tested to a higher standard, the aircraft’s max operating altitude.

FL510, 51,000 feet, is the highest certification for civilian aircraft, but those serving the military and NASA often fly much higher. So ASIG has tested a specific lot of iPad EFB devices to FL800—80,000 feet—in support of these special customers truly unique  mission and flight requirements.

Besides testing that ensures reliable operation and the translation of data for the iOS, flyTab has developed a full range of iPad mounts and a power conditioning unit that provides continuous power and charging and mitigates thermal runaway.

Until next time, stay 5x5, mission ready, and Wired!

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