L-3 Avionics Systems announced today that it has
received Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval from the FAA for the Trilogyâ„¢ ESI-1000 Electronic
Standby Instrument on Part 27 and Part 29 rotary-wing aircraft. This all-in-one glass standby instrument is
the first system of its type certified for light helicopter operations. The Trilogy ESI will be on display in L-3
booth 4829 at the HAI HELI-EXPO, which runs February 21–23.
“The all-glass cockpit is now possible for our fixed- and rotary-wing customers,” said Larry Riddle, vice
president of business development for L-3 Avionics Systems. “Trilogy saves panel space and reduces
weight for light helicopter operators. These two significant benefits combined with Trilogy’s solid-state
reliability and precision make it an excellent package for this market.”
The Trilogy ESI combines attitude, altitude, airspeed and optional heading data on a clear, 3.7-inch
diagonal Active Matrix LCD display. By presenting flight information in a way that corresponds with
today’s glass flight decks, Trilogy facilitates a smooth transition from primary to standby instruments in an
emergency and enhances consistency across the panel.
With an integrated air data computer, solid-state attitude sensor and optional external magnetometer, the
ESI presents accurate flight information independently of other systems. A simple four-button pilot
interface, automatic brightness control and dimensions matching the standard 3-ATI mounting cutout
make it easy to operate and install. Once activated, the system is aligned and ready for flight in less than
three minutes.
The rotorcraft version of the Trilogy ESI is calibrated from 20 to 350 knots and -1,500 to 55,000 feet, and
can detect roll rates up to 100 degrees per second – well within the flight envelope of today’s general
aviation aircraft. Additionally, Trilogy provides airspeed cues for critical reference airspeeds and operating
ranges specific to the aircraft. The model will be available through OEMs as well as for retrofit to
modernize both glass and traditional cockpit configurations.
The Trilogy ESI was developed with L-3 Avionics Systems’ advanced solid-state expertise, which has
made the company a leader in electronic standby instrument systems for high-end aircraft. Now, Trilogy
makes this technology a smart and affordable option for helicopter pilots as well.
L-3 Avionics Systems has been helping pilots fly for more than 45 years. The company provides a wide
array of avionics technologies designed to improve situational awareness and enhance safety, such as
the GH-3000 electronic and J.E.T.® standby instruments, the SkyWatch® Collision Avoidance System,
the Stormscope® Weather Mapping System and the Trilogy™ Electronic Standby Instrument, among
others.
For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.l-3avionics.com.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 66,000 people worldwide and is a
prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications,
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading
provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. The company reported 2009 sales of
$15.6 billion.
To learn more about L-3, please visit the company’s Web site at www.l-3com.com