Universal Avionics releases EFB and Connected Avionics solution

Universal Avionics (UA) has launched its FlightPartner and FlightReview applications. Hosted on an iPad and initially connected to Universal’s WAAS/SBAS enabled Flight Management System (FMS) by introducing Wi-Fi enablement of existing equipment, these applications make possible comprehensive two-way interactions between the FMS and the apps, and between the tablet and UA’s cloud-based infrastructure for data analytics.

The applications will be available by the end of the first quarter of 2022 and represent the first step in UA’s goal of creating a connectivity enabled ecosystem across its avionics solutions.

The Connectivity Ecosystem brings to UA’s customers a connected, open and data centric environment to enhance mission preparedness on the ground, in the air, and post flight. Optimising day to day operations and maintenance, the ecosystem utilises a robust cyber secure, portable, and cloud-based platform to deliver avionics centric solutions and support services, including the use of a 3rd party applications and content.

“FlightPartner and FlightReview are UA’s early steps in a push towards the creation of a dynamic connectivity ecosystem, tying our various avionics systems to a suite of applications and expanded services that our customers will be able to use 24/7/365”, said Dror Yahav, Universal Avionics CEO. “After the initial deployment of the products we plan to introduce many others in the coming months and years to come”.

With FlightPartner, operators will be able to build, brief and file a complete flight plan on their tablet using a convivial graphical interface, upload it to the FMS upon aircraft power-up, and dynamically alter it throughout the flight, directly on their iPad, as FlightPartner is tightly coupled to the navigation data of the FMS. Additionally, when connected to ground infrastructure, FlightPartner facilitates access to accurate weather information, displayed in horizontal and vertical profiles, to assist flight planning and operations, for example by prepopulating the flight plan with winds and temperatures aloft, saving valuable time and increasing efficiency.

Its benefits also extend to maintenance personnel as FlightPartner will conveniently manage database updates to the FMS. By automatically connecting with the operator’s account on UniNet, FlightPartner will upload the latest databases to the tablet, and at the appropriate time ensure seamless and secure delivery of the databases to the on-board FMS.

Through FlightReview, UA makes aircraft data work for flight and maintenance crews by providing them information at any given time to review performance, pinpoint issues, and optimise operations

With FlightReview, data is exchanged between the FMS and the tablet, then automatically uploaded to UA’s cloud-based infrastructure at the appropriate time, enabling flight departments to view and analyse the content specific to their operations from any location.