Sandel to Add Real-Time Weather

Sandel Avionics president Gerry Block says his company is planning to add real-time weather capability to its ST3400 TAWS. He declined to disclose the service providers, saying talks continue with two satellite-based suppliers and that he will announce further details once flight testing begins. An upgrade is expected to be available in early 2003.

The ST3400, Block notes, is "compatible with almost any aircraft," and has been installed in a wide range of aircraft -- from piston twins through a Gulfstream IV -- since receiving TSO certification in June earlier this year. The ST3400 has recently been STC'd for the first of 17 De Havilland Twin Otters in the fleet of Rocky Mountain Air.

Although Sandel has had some conversations with OEMs, Block views the ST3400 primarily as an aftermarket product, joking that he would "be happy to capture 100 percent of all aftermarket sales."

Block told an NBAA press conference he is unfazed by Honeywell's patent infringement case on TAWS, and claims that it hasn't affected interest in the ST3400. He discounted a earlier report claiming Honeywell had sought an immediate injunction enjoining Sandel and other manufacturers from any further TAWS sales, and said he wouldn't expect the courts to approve such a motion anyway. What Block does expect is a long, curt fight, promising to contest what he terms a "baseless suit."

By David Rimmer