Universal Avionics unveils new Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS)

Universal Avionics is proud to announce the newest member of its family of advanced avionics products, the stand-alone AHS-525 Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS). The AHS-525 is solid-state AHRS system providing stable and accurate aircraft analog and digital pitch, roll and heading measurements. Universal Avionics designed the AHS-525 as a low-cost solution for next generation flight decks and to seamlessly replace increasingly difficult-to-maintain analog gyros. Federal Aviation Administration Technical Standard Order is expected in October.

The first glimpse of the AHS-525 AHRS was obtained by Universal Avionics dealers at the 53rd Annual AEA Convention and Trade Show, held this week in Orlando, Florida where a fully-functioning prototype was available for evaluation.

The AHS-525 incorporates Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)-based technology, a system that combines the computational ability of microelectronics with the acuity and control of microsensors and microaccelerometers. This solid-state construction, with no internal movable parts, reduces downtime and increases Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF).

The system integrates with flight deck displays, flight control systems, flight management systems, weather radar, terrain awareness and warning system, flight data recorder and a host of additional avionics systems. When interfaced with Universal's Electronic Flight Information System, data display and control is managed directly through the EFI-890R Flat Panel Displays, without the need for additional heading control panels that clutter the flight deck.

System installation components will include the Attitude Heading Reference Unit (AHRU), configuration module, external remote magnetometer and a mounting plate that is permanently affixed to the aircraft. The fixed mounting plate allows the unit to be removed for service and replaced without repeated and time-consuming realignment of the system.

The unit's compact size lends flexibility to installation, with possible mounting locations in pressurized, non-pressurized, controlled and non-controlled temperature environments.

The AHS-525 features digital, analog, discrete and synchro inputs and outputs (I/O) to support a wide variety of interfaces on Part 23 and Part 25 aircraft. It will be certified to the following certification and airworthiness regulations:

FAA TSO-C3e – Turn and Slip Instrument

FAA TSO-C4c – Bank and Pitch Instrument

FAA TSO-C6e – Direction Instrument, Magnetic (Gyroscopically Stabilized)

EASA ETSO-C3d – Turn and Slip Instruments

EASA ETSO-C4c – Bank and Pitch Instruments

EASA ETSO-C6e – Direction Instrument, Magnetic (Gyroscopically Stabilized)