The MX 9250 is a 12-channel differential GPS reference station and navigator that offers 1-3 meter accuracies for real-time applications. The unit has an integrated display and keypad, allowing it to operate autonomously. A battery-backed memory allows the unit to restart after a power failure. The MX 9250 tracks the code and carrier of all GPS satellites in view. D-GPS correction signals are output in an RTCM Type 1 message format at a user-selectable update rate. The device, which has a rugged, splashproof enclosure, also can function as a mobile D-GPS receiver.
John W. Vitale has been appointed president/chief executive officer of Avitas Inc., Reston, Va. He was vice president-asset valuation/chief appraiser. Vitale succeeds Lawrence R. Crawford, who has resigned.
The Quick-Temp IR Thermometer (above, left) can provide readings that are accurate to within 1F without contacting a hot or moving part. The device can read temperatures over a range of 0-600F at distances of up to 30 ft. The unit is powered by a 9-v. battery. Jensen Tools, 7815 S. 46th St., Phoenix, Ariz. 85044.
The TechStar Pro is a combined flight computer and personal organizer. The unit can compute "great circle" routes and provide individual data prompts. Data are shown on an eight-line liquid crystal display. The 128K memory computer uses a prompting system to display variables needed for solving performance and navigation problems. Modes include time/speed/distance, altitude/airspeed and wind, weight and balance, latitude/longitude, timer, metric conversions, an address book, personal memo, scheduler, trip expense log and world time.
The SCSI Flash Disk is now available in a 6U VME board, single-slot form factor for rugged environments such as aircraft and space use. The disk can provide up to 402 megabytes of capacity as a bootable SCSI-2 compliant disk drive. No additional software drivers are needed. The Flash Disk is available in both convection-cooled and conduction-cooled form factors. It is available as either a single 402 MB drive or in a dual 140-MB configuration. Targa Electronic Systems, 1 Annabel Lane, San Ramon, Calif. 94583.
The updated Avantext Airworthiness Directive CD allows searches by make of model of airframe, engine, propeller or other equipment, as well as keyword searches. The new version uses the Majestic data base and features a new report editor that allows users to combine reports as well as print and view them. Also on the new version is a printable FAA Form 337 that is used by aircraft maintenance technicians.
Jean-Claude Hironde, chief designer of the Dassault Rafale aircraft, has won the 1997 Icarus Prize of the Association des Journalistes Professionels de l'Aerospace.
The PetroSpec JT100S is an automated spectroscopic fuel analyzer that can measure the level of diesel fuel dye contamination in jet fuel. The portable device can measure dye levels to the parts per billion level. Currently, most airport fueling operations rely on visual observations of fuel color by humans, which injects a level of subjectivity into the process and does not allow for quantitative judgments. Contamination of jet fuel with diesel dye can result in costly clean-up and fuel disposal problems. Varlen Instruments, 2777 Washington Blvd., Bellwood, Ill.
The Master Power Hawg line of pneumatic vacuums is available in capacities of 6-55 gal. for picking up wet or dry nonvolatile material. A cyclone filtering system is offered for vacuuming fiberglass particles, powders and other particulate matter, while HEPA filters are used for picking up asbestos and lead paint. Cooper Power Tools, 670 Industrial Drive, Lexington, S.C. 29072.
A new, ceramic coating applied to these exhaust gas extractor stacks for King Air 200/B200 aircraft is designed to eliminate cracking of the stacks, while also offering a high-luster surface and helping the even distribution of exhaust heat. The stacks improve aerodynamic qualities of the aircraft, which manufacturer Commuter Air Technology says results in a 7.5-kt. speed improvement and fuel savings. Commuter Air Technology Inc., 14700 N. Airport Drive, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85260.
Photograph: The upgrade is viewed as a key component in Romania's push to achieve interoperability with NATO forces The Romanian air force is overhauling its tactical concepts to capitalize on the host of new combat capabilities opened up with the introduction of Western avionics and weapon systems on the MiG-21 Lancer. What may be second nature to many Western pilots--and more--is now being learned by Romanian pilots, who see a whole new horizon opening up to them.
Photograph: Flying a maximum range of 6,2000 naut.mi., the Boeing Business Jet has about three times the floor space of the Gulfstream 5. Boeing has set the stage for its appearance at the Paris air show. Last week, the Seattle airframer signed a $4-billion exclusive-supplier agreement with Continental Airlines in a move sure to receive a chilly reception in Europe. The 20-year arrangement with the Houston-based carrier is the third Boeing has negotiated in the past seven months.
Terence W. Lyons has become chief financial officer of Composite Structures LLC, Monrovia, Calif. He was vice president of the Wah Cheng Div. of Allegheny Teledyne Inc.
The Essential Services Node is a radiation-hardened, application-specific integrated circuit that incorporates a Mil-Std 1553 data bus controller, remote terminal and monitor, as well as a UT69R000 16-bit microcontroller, two 8254 counter/timers and other features. The rad-hard ESN is designed as a general purpose, low-power, lightweight radiation-hardened data system using a single chip. Previously, several components were needed to achieve the same function. UTMC Microelectronic Systems Inc., 4350 Centennial Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80907.
Lewis M. Kling has become president of the Raymond, Maine-based Dielectric Communications unit of the General Signal Corp. He was senior vice president/general manager of AlliedSignal Commercial Avionics Systems.
Photograph: Six electric motors propel Pathfinder at 67,500 ft. over the Pacific Ocean. Stable air made this view from the wingtip camera appear ``painted on the screen.'' Solar power beat out gasoline last week as the altitude record for propeller aircraft was surpassed by the AeroVironment Pathfinder drone. The ultralight solar-powered craft reached 67,500 ft. for several minutes, stayed above 60,000 ft. for about an hour, and above 50,000 for 3.5 hr. The flight tops the propeller altitude record of 66,980 ft.
The first flight of an F-16 fitted with a larger, modular common inlet (MCID) and powered by a Pratt&Whitney F100-PW-229 engine occurred late last month at Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems in Fort Worth. The MCID, which incorporates a wider, high-flow air inlet configuration, already is standard on F-16s fitted with General Electric powerplants. The new engine and inlet were installed on the USAF's highly-modified F-16D Variable Stability In-Flight Simulator (Vista) test aircraft for the initial flight.
Illustration: Diagram: Line-Abreast or Fluid formations are used depending upon whether maneuverability or firepower is important. Four-ship formations use these building blocks. Night vision goggles are allowing some Air Force fighter squad- rons to use many of their daytime tactics in the dark, increasing their firepower while improving safety. As a secondary benefit, illuminated aircraft can be seen at long ranges, and visual spotting can be made of otherwise invisible targets.
Hyperfan high-performance fans, made by LMB of France, are designed for environments such as air distribution in cockpits, avionics bays and galleys and lavatories. Models are available for evaporator and condenser applications, as well as air distribution in heating ventilation and air conditioning systems. Sizes range from 3-15 in. (76-381 mm.) with an airflow range of 30-1,300 cu. ft./min. and pressures of 4-30 in. of water. LMB, 603 E. Diehl Road, Suite 115, Naperville, Ill. 60563.
The DHS-100X Digital Heat Spy (above, right) family of thermometers can be used in preventive maintenance and operations applications. Laser-equipped models are available for optimum target sighting. The series features four models covering a range of 0-850F. They are accurate within 2% of the reading or 3F, whichever is greater. Wahl Instruments Inc., 234 Weaverville Highway, Asheville, N.C. 12204.
The latest version of MicroStation Modeler allows enhanced assembly modeling, integrated motion simulation, improved data management and delivery of software via the World Wide Web. The package includes Mechanical Dynamics Inc.'s ADAMS/MS Motion for assembly motion simulation. Bentley Select subscribers can receive updates via the Web, as well as request enhancements. Bentley Systems Inc., 690 Pennsylvania Drive, Exton, Pa. 19341.
The Echelon 100 is designed as an entry-level, passive noise reduction headset. The unit weighs 14.2 oz and provides 21 dB. noise reduction. It features a volume control and amplified, noise-canceling electret mic. The collapsible headset also has a low-profile headband for even weight distribution and three-point tension adjustment for custom fit. Stainless steel is used at tension points to increase the headset's strength. Telex Communications, 9600 Aldrich Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. 55420.
Photograph: Cathay has led the way in mixed-fleet flying and cross-crew qualification for its A330 and A340 fleets. It prefers the A340 rather than the 777 for long, thin routes. Cathay Pacific Airways was the first carrier to fly the A330 and A340 as complementary aircraft on regional and intercontinental assignments in the way that Airbus Industrie envisioned when it launched the family. Cathay needed a replacement for its Lockheed L-1011 on regional routes, a task the A330 was made to fill.
Photograph: Dassault Aviation Rafale Aircraft The French Defense Ministry recently confirmed an order for 13 production Dassault Aviation Rafale multirole combat aircraft. In the last few years, tight budget constraints impacted France's military procurement spending and further delayed the program's go-ahead. The launch order comprises 10 navy Rafale Ms and three air force Rafale Cs. It was negotiated in late 1995 but was put on hold in the wake of the DGA French armaments agency's request to contractors to reduce defense systems' costs.
