FAA Approves Universal Avionics’ Visual Data Management Solution

Universal Avionics announced it obtained Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for its new Aperture visual data management solution from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The authorization clears the way for the initial delivery of the system to a major avionics OEM for use in its flight deck offering for new aircraft.

"The TSO authorization of Aperture is a critical step in the development of an innovative solution that will change how we use video in aircraft. This approval validates the technology and allows us to continue to innovate solutions for the future," says Dror Yahav, CEO, Universal Avionics.

Aperture is a visual data management solution that enhances safety and improves decision-making for flight crews and mission specialists. The system can process eight video inputs and support four video outputs with near-zero latency, at the highest level of integrity in commercial aviation (Design Assurance Level A), according to Universal Avionics. It presents imagery from an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) camera and other sensors to the flight crew, enhancing situational awareness.

The Aperture system was introduced to the market at the 2021 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition, and its development is currently underway to expand capabilities to include additional video and sensor channels, low latency video aggregation, manipulation and generation of symbology and synthetic imagery. Further developments will enable pilots to take advantage of real-time content analysis and augmented reality, such as visual positioning, obstacle detection, taxi guidance and traffic awareness, leveraging Universal's extensive competencies in vision systems, the company says.

Universal Avionics safely guides pilots and their passengers worldwide with forward fit and retrofit solutions used on over 35,000 airplanes and helicopters today. As a leading manufacturer of innovative commercial avionics, Universal works to improve safety and efficiency for business aviation, airline/cargo operations and special missions. The company is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., a major defense manufacturer and world leader in military aerospace, with solutions including navigation, electronic display, terrain awareness, recorders and enhanced flight vision systems.

Universal Avionics is present in the Mexican market through partnerships with companies such as Coptersafety Mexico, Heli-Union and Heliservicio Campeche. The company also provided retrofit solutions for the extinct regional airline Aeromar’s fleet of ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft.