Universal Introduces System 1, Fulfilling its Founder's Dream

Universal Avionics' System 1, unveiled here, begins to fulfill the vision that Hubert Naimer, the firm's chairman, had almost 25 years ago. Naimer was one of the pioneers who wanted to develop an integrated avionics system. System 1 is the embodiment of that dream.

The UNS-1 FMS was the first shot out of the gun. Launched in 1982, the UNS-1 was the first three-dimensional navigation system available for business aircraft. Most other early products were upgrades, sensors or optional peripherals for the FMS.

The product line has been broadened to include an air data computer, solid-state cockpit voice and flight data recorders, the Univision (né CD2000) cabin entertainment equipment system, and the Unilink air-to-ground datalink system. The latest offerings include a variety of flat-panel display systems, such as the Universal Cockpit Display Terminal and a Terrain Awareness and Warning System.

Universal's engineers decided against using Arinc 429 as the interface between components because its speed and bandwidth are too limited to carry the copious amounts of data of next-generation avionics systems. The new avionics will have several different databases, plus high-speed satcom links and powerful graphics processors capable of three-dimensional graphics and real-time video.

System 1 will have two, parallel and complementary Ethernet-inspired local area networks in place of Arinc 429 links. The top-level system will operate at 10 MHz. This bus will support a digital flight guidance system, autopilot and flat-panel primary flight instruments. Universal hasn't yet built any such systems, but future plans call for development of such equipment or procurement through strategic alliances.

The firm has, however, certificated many of the essential, or lower, level components that will be linked by means of a 100 MHz, DO 178 Level C/D high speed bus.

In mid 1998, Universal purchased a Dassault Falcon 20 that will serve as an airborne test platform, along with the firm's Raytheon King Air 350. System 1 components and Ethernet local area networks are being installed in the Falcon 20 in preparation for extensive flight tests. Initial System 1 installations likely will be retrofit applications, but Universal is looking ahead toward forward fit applications. If all goes according to plan, Honeywell and Collins soon will be joined by Universal as a competitor in the original equipment, fully integrated avionics business.

By Fred George