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A line of advanced engine-monitoring
systems, using the latest technology in graphic analog and digital
displays can make a pilot's life in the cockpit much easier.
Working under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
agreement with Langley Research Center, Vision Microsystems,
Inc., of Bellingham, Washington, established a unique engine
management system. The work is a spinoff from Langley's Engine
Management and Predictive Analysis System (EMPAS) project. EMPAS
strives for innovative approaches to providing detailed information
on current engine status, as well as prediction of future engine
states, including potential engine failure. EMPAS is seen as
a form of predictive artificial intelligence. Pilots would be
advised and provided possible corrective actions by EMPAS.
This system integrates newly developed and commercially available
software, hardware, sensors, and display technologiestechnologies
produced or under development by Vision Microsystems, Inc.
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Vision
Microsystems, Inc.'s VM1000 combines instruments into one high-tech
display. |
The EMPAS effort has facilitated the company's creation of
a product line of advanced engine monitoring systems. This includes
the state-of-the-art VM1000 that combines ten individual instruments
into one high-tech display. This engine instrumentation caution
advisory system provides full sweep graphics, giving a pilot
fast visual reference to operating limits and trends. The VM1000
automatically tracks changes in engine performance during flight.
Microprocessor control, plus a flat panel, high-contrast display,
support the firm's slogan: "Just one look...is all you need."
The VM1000 can be enhanced by the addition of the EC-100,
an electronic checklist and cautionary system. Sporting a full
color, easy-to-read alpha-numeric display, the EC-100 provides
an array of information about engine and aircraft operating boundaries.
The electronic checklist is designed around the operating characteristics
of the pilot's aircraft. A number of emergency situation checklists
are incorporated in the unit, such as "engine out,"
with data displayed at the pilot's fingertips in those moments
when the cockpit workload is greatest. Checklist categories are
arranged logically, making it easy and natural to select them.
Vision Microsystems also has produced the EPI 800, engine
management instrumentation that consists of six individual 2
1/4-inch-diameter gauges. The EPI 800 has an onboard computer
that continually analyzes engine operation and reports any abnormalities
to the pilot. A built-in memory records data such as total engine
hours and total fuel utilized.
Currently, the instruments are manufactured for experimental
aircraft. However, the firm is in the process of obtaining approval
for use in certified aircraft. The commercial potential of these
engine management and predictive displays is great, offering
the general aviation industry a cost-effective engine monitoring
system heretofore only available, in part, to the airline industry.
This technology is usable at all levels of general aviation,
from the kit plane industry up to the business class, twin engine
aircraft. Potential commercial uses are also foreseen in cruise
ships, freighters, motor yachts, as well as private sector land
vehicles, such as taxis, buses, and other revenue producing vehicles.
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