Ryan International has created what it is calling a multi-hazard display (MHD) that shows traffic from the company's 9900BX traffic advisory system (TAS) with plans to interface with terrain and weather sensors to display those hazards as well. The new MHD fits into a three-inch instrument space and on airplanes with panel space problems, it could give a dedicated display for traffic instead of having it overlaid on other screens. The display is a full-color high-resolution active matrix screen, and though it is not large, the traffic display is great.
The 9900BX TAS has a lot of special features that are enhanced by the MHD. It not only warns of traffic, it gives an audible call on the location of the traffic such as "traffic nine o'clock, low, six miles," which means you can start looking in the right direction without consulting the screen. Also, the other airplane's altitude relative to yours is shown on the screen along with its actual altitude and N-number if the traffic has a Mode S transponder.
The system also has an altitude alert system that gives audible 1,000- and 500-foot to go calls in a pleasant female voice.
When interfaced with terrain and weather sensors, the MHD will show all three hazards at once or can have the whole screen dedicated to any of the three hazards. The screen is a little small for a meaningful display of all three at the same time, but, for example, two-thirds of the screen can display traffic with the other third devoted to the other two hazards to keep you aware of what is going on and alert you to the need to pay more attention to one of the other things.
It's a user friendly device and it is easy to switch around among the various modes.
The multi-hazard display sells for $7,990 and is also offered in a package with the 9900BX at $28,590 for the set. Ryan recently lowered the price on its 9900B passive traffic device to $7,990. The 9900B uses the same top and bottom antennas system as the 9900BX and can be upgraded to the BX whenever desired. For more information, call Ryan International at 800/877-0048 or have a look at the website at www.ryaninternational.com
