L-3 Introduces Class II Electronic Flight Bag
Le Bourget, France - L-3 Communications introduced recently its Class II Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) for the Business, Regional and Air Transport Markets. The EFB will be offered through a collaborative effort by L-3 Display Systems (L-3 DS) and L-3 Aviation Recorders (L-3 AR).
The L-3 EFB is a state-of-the-art device, meeting the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular AC120-76A. The EFB electronically stores and displays data required by pilots, which is currently carried on board aircraft in paper format. This data includes approach plates, flight manuals, operation manuals, flight checklists and other maps and documentation. In addition, the EFB system is being configured to host several new L-3 real-time cockpit applications. These enhancements include the L-3 Cabin Surveillance System (CSS) and the WSI InFlight satellite cockpit weather system, developed in partnership with WSI Corporation, the airport Surface Area Movement Management (SAMM) system developed by Aviation Communications and Surveillance Systems (ACSS), a joint venture between L-3 and Thales, and L-3's IRIS Enhanced Vision System.
The EFB offers either a single or dual Display Unit (DU) utilizing a Microsoft Windows-based operating system and interfaces with a single Processing Unit which serves as the primary data input unit for the aircraft. Each DU incorporates the latest display technologies developed by L-3, including an infrared touch screen with optimal resolution and sunlight readability. Leveraging 25 years of Display Systems' integration experience in the harsh conditions of military environments, the DU was designed for maximum ruggedness and reliability.
"We are extremely pleased to be partnered with L-3 Display Systems to bring to the business, regional and air transport markets a state of the art EFB, utilizing the best and latest techniques developed through Display Systems' long and highly successful military displays history," said Bruce Coffey, President of L-3 AR. "Our EFB and the innovative applications we will offer will substantially reduce the workload in the cockpit and will enhance the operational capabilities of the flight crew."
L-3 AR is the leading supplier of transportation solid state flight recorders specializing in accident-protected data recording for the aerospace and maritime industries. L-3 AR will be responsible for the marketing, sales and support of the EFB.
"Being teamed with an industry leader like L-3 Aviation Recorders allows us to offer the high quality and technically advanced products that we developed for military applications to a commercial customer base," said Bob McGill, President of L-3 DS. "Our displays are the best in the industry, and coupling our displays capability with L-3 Aviation Recorders' fifty years in serving and supporting their commercial customers creates a very strong team to bring our new EFB to market. Our plan calls for production and Supplemental Type Certification by the end of 2007."
L-3 DS specializes in the design, development, manufacture and support of military integrated systems for demanding environments and challenging applications. L-3 DS will be responsible for the design, manufacture and test and certification of the EFB.
SOURCE: L-3 Communications