The new Evolution E5 flight instrument from Aspen Avionics is an ingenious answer to lower-cost displays from Garmin and Dynon aimed at the thousands of light general aviation airplanes that could benefit from a switch from traditional vacuum-driven six-pack flight instruments to modern glass.
The E5 display replaces electro-mechanical instruments by consolidating traditional attitude indicator, directional gyro and course-deviation indicator into a single unit that retails for just under $5,000. The E5 also includes global positioning system steering (GPSS), air-data computer and attitude heading reference system (ADAHRS) and a backup battery in case of a loss of electrical power.
Buyers can upgrade to the Evolution E5 display and a compatible TruTrak Vizion autopilot for less than $10,000 plus installation costs, Aspen says. Best of all, the E5 display is brighter and more vibrant than previous Evolution displays, while retaining its unique form factor intended to keep installation costs down. To keep the price down as well, the E5 is not FAA TSO-approved. The 6-inch active matrix LCD can be installed in hundreds of Part 23 airplane types through an AML STC.
