L-3 Avionics Systems and Astronautics debut next-generation Electronic Flight Bag application at NBAA2011

L-3 Avionics Systems and Astronautics Corporation of America (Astronautics) announced today the introduction of the first certified Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) with feature-rich charting and moving map applications. Using Astronautics' newest EFB, the Class 3 NEXISTM Flight-Intelligence System, and L-3-developed software technology, the EFB provides increased situational awareness through support of own- ship position in relationship to air traffic, terrain, weather and airport features. The application provides the ability to build enhanced chart clip lists by preselecting standard terminal procedure charts, arrival and departure charts, and airport origin relative to the flight plan. The application will be demonstrated in the L-3 booth, C8132, at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention from October 10–12.

"Built using an open software architecture, the new charting application can utilize any database, including Jeppesen®, Lido/RouteManual and Navtech. Pilots accustomed to paper charts now have the flexibility to choose their preferred mapping provider, easing the transition to electronic charting," said Sean Reilly, Astronautics' business development manager. "Flight crews worldwide will experience a new level of situational awareness on the robust and customizable NEXIS display platform. While functionality of charting never changes, existing charts take on a new enhanced visual dimension, providing the pilot with true situational awareness."

Both the hardware and software application will be certified to DO-178B Level C, DO-160 and DO-254 standards, assuring a robust, stable application and platform. Through this level of certification, the NEXIS EFB application is able to incorporate Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and onboard geo-referencing (GPS/INS) technologies to support own-ship positioning in relationship to traffic, terrain and airport features.

"With ADS-B traffic in the cockpit, this application will enhance safety, optimize flight operations and reduce operational costs for airlines," said Larry Riddle, vice president of L-3 Avionics Systems. "This will assist in meeting FAA and Eurocontrol initiatives, including the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and CASCADE programs."

Astronautics and L-3 expect that this application will be fully certified and available in the first quarter of 2012.