Astronics Receives EASA, Transport Canada and DGAC Mexico Approval for Wireless Aircraft Interface Device for use on Boeing 737s
The webFB is the first approved wireless AID certified for use in the flight deck
East Aurora, NY | June 12, 2017– Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO), through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Astronics Armstrong Aerospace and Astronics Ballard Technology, announced today it has received installation approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Canada, and Direccíon General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC Mexico) for its webFB® Wireless Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) device for use on Boeing 737 aircraft. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted the initial Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the webFB in 2016.
“These approvals will enable installation of the webFB on aircraft not only in the US, but now throughout Europe, Canada and Mexico,” said Jon Neal, Vice President and General Manager of Astronics Ballard Technology. “The webFB is a game-changer in terms of size, cost and ease of installation. The wireless webFB device enables airlines to provide avionics data connectivity to their portable EFBs with a simple install requiring minimal downtime. A fleet-wide implementation could be completed in days rather than years.”
The ultra-compact webFB easily fits in the palm of the hand, yet incorporates the capabilities of both an Aircraft Interface Device (AID) and a wireless server. The built-in AID safely gathers essential data from an aircraft’s ARINC 429 and 717 data buses and conveys it to custom software or EFB apps hosted on its internal server. Using a wireless connection to portable EFB tablets, the webFB securely delivers valuable information right to the fingertips of the flight crew.
In conjunction with the newly issued validations, Astronics is currently working with airlines that are actively conducting trials using the webFB to increase operational efficiencies. Airlines and software partners are developing a variety of enhanced EFB applications for the webFB including flight optimization, electronic tech logs, and real-time Quick Access Recorder (QAR) monitoring and event notifications. For software vendors, the webFB provides a rapid and practical solution for developing applications and deploying them into the flight deck and beyond.
Astronics Armstrong Aerospace developed the installation design and provided regulatory certification services for the webFB. “The simplicity of our 737 test port installation design allows our airline customers to quickly install the webFB device during routine overnight maintenance visits,” said Rob Abbinante, President of Astronics Armstrong Aerospace. The STCs also approve the installation of the Astronics AES EmPower® Flight Deck USB UltraLite Power System, which charges portable EFBs while in flight.
Astronics Ballard Technology will spotlight the webFB at the EFB Users Forum (booth 25) in Vienna, Austria, June 13-15. The webFB is available now. For complete product details and to request a quote, visit Astronics.com/BallardTechnology/webFB.
Astronics Ballard Technology is the industry-leader for reliable avionics data bus interface solutions and world- class customer support. Astronics Armstrong Aerospace is an innovative aviation engineering, design and manufacturing company that upgrades aircraft with new technologies.
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