Universal Avionics Unveils 'Super
FMSes'
for Next Generation Flight Management
The next generation of flight
management systems will see many changes, including data link,
made to the existing voice communications between the cockpit
and ground controllers. According to Universal Avionics Systems
of Tucson, AZ (Booth 4115), a new line of "Super FMSes"
will provide a platform to meet those challenges ahead.
Universal's new UNS-1 flight management systems are designed to
provide needed capabilities enhancements in the communication,
navigation, surveillance and air traffic management environment
of the future.
Each new Super FMS contains an integral 12-channel combined GPS/GLONASS
receiver, providing increased accuracy, integrity and availability
for navigation enroute and on non-precision approaches worldwide.
The Universal receiver combining U.S. GPS and Russian GLONASS
satellite positioning systems is believed to be the first to be
certified by the FAA, said Universal R&D and engineering GM
Frank Hummel.
The combined system provides the best of both, said Universal
president and CEO Hubert Naimer.
The new Universal FMSes, which have been under development for
several years, embody both hardware and software improvements.
Hardware changes include a new LCD display that offers exceptional
sunlight readability with increased contrast, higher resolution
and wider viewing angles.
To allow for future software enhancements, the Super FMSes incorporate
a new 32-bit processor that provides 25 times the computational
performance of current systems. Program memory has been increased
four fold and the navigation system database has been increased
to 32 megabytes.
The new FMSes feature an Ethernet communication port for interfacing
to the company's new line of System-1 products. The faster 10
megabit/sec Ethernet is also used to load the navigation database
now supplied on a single Zip disc.
The new FMSes will replace the UNS-1C, UNS-1D and UNS-1K systems.
The new designations will be UNS-1E, UNS-1F and UNS-1L.
The -1E features an all-in-one-unit design with five-inch display,
the -1F is comprised of a remotely-mounted 2-MCU navigation computer
unit and a separate five-inch control display unit (CDU), and
the -1L includes a 2-MCU navigation computer unit and a separate
four-inch CDU.
The five-inch displays are graphics-and-video capable and support
weather and TAWS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System) displays.
All systems will be available in February 2000.
By Jim Street
NBAA 1999, Atlanta, Ga.
