Avidyne has launched a large, high- resolution multifunction display, the FlightMax EX5000, for business and general aviation. While boasting a 10.4-inch (diagonal) active-matrix LCD, the new FlightMax EX5000 takes up only 3.7 inches behind the panel, which should help ease installations. At 800 by 600 pixels, the display's resolution, claims Avidyne, is the highest currently available for general aviation airplanes. The very high resolution display can be oriented either vertically (portrait format) or horizontally (landscape). Although Avidyne hasn't announced any IFR charting agreements, the display would be a natural for showing approach or en route charts. Even without electronic charts, the EX5000 will be an invaluable aid to instrument flying. Because of its Arinc 429 interface, the EX5000 can display all the segments of an instrument approach when paired with navigators such as the Garmin GNS 430 or GNS 530.
En route, the EX5000 provides pilots with Avidyne's navigational products, including mapping detail with both land and water forms, but with a new feature, obstacles with agl and msl data. Coupled with the product's built-in terrain mapping and special use airspace depictions, the display gives pilots a good view of vertical restrictions in the flight path ahead.
A couple of airplane makers are already offering the new Avidyne display in their new airplanes. The MFD, known as the EX5000C and featuring checklists, is an option in both the Cirrus SR20 and SR22. Lancair plans to offer the EX5000 beginning in mid-2002 in its Columbia 300 and 400 airplanes.
Cost of the retail version of the FlightMax EX5000, which should be available by the time you read this, is $12,950. For more information, www.avidyne.com.
