Esterline CMC Electronics' SmartDeck® integrated avionics suite has been selected by Evektor of the Czech Republic, for the multipurpose EV-55 Outback aircraft.

The FAA-certified SmartDeck system offers an innovative and intuitive user interface that increases the ease and accuracy of flight management, and significantly streamlines flight operations. SmartDeck's advanced architecture supports scalability to various types of aircraft. It also provides the growth capability to meet continuously evolving air traffic management requirements and support maintainability - all of key importance to owners and operators. From the SmartDeck's pilot oriented integration of navigation, communication, surveillance, electronic charts and moving map functions, to its best-in-class Synthetic Vision, this Esterline avionics suite delivers an unprecedented level of functionality and situational awareness to make flying easier and safer.

Greg Yeldon, president of Esterline CMC Electronics, said: "We are delighted that Evektor, the highly respected Czech aircraft manufacturer, has selected our SmartDeck integrated cockpit for their new Outback aircraft. Flexibility is at the core of our design philosophy and we look forward to working with Evektor and supporting their evolving needs."

The EV-55 is a new-generation, twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed to replace older utility piston aircraft and offer a more reliable and powerful alternative to single-engine turboprop aircraft. Its key features include a spacious and flexible cabin, offering a variety of configurations that range from 9- to 14-passenger versions, to an all-cargo layout. Its excellent take-off and landing characteristics allow the aircraft to operate from short, unpaved strips in hot and high-altitude airport conditions.

Jaroslav Ruzicka, Evektor's chairman of the board, stated: "We are pleased to announce our selection of the Esterline CMC Electronics innovative SmartDeck cockpit for the EV-55 Outback. This user friendly and well organized flight deck will give pilots exceptional situational awareness to make flying safer and easier. The advanced design and scalability of the SmartDeck cockpit will support the additional features required for our special mission versions of the EV-55. "

A prototype of the new Evektor EV-55 turboprop made its first take-off from Kunovice airport in the Czech Republic on June 24, 2011. Evektor will offer the aircraft in several versions: passenger transport, cargo transport, a combined version with space for cargo in the cabin forward section and passenger seating in the rear, as well as search and rescue and surveillance versions for military applications.