uAvionix Corporation has acquired New Mexico-based start up AeroVonics, and will incorporate the AV-20S Multi-Function Display (MFD) and the AV-30 Primary Flight Display (PFD) products into its existing product line. The acquisition marks uAvionix's first foray into advanced digital cockpit displays for the general aviation (GA) market.

The AV-20S series MFD is approved under the FAA's Non-Required Safety Enhancing Equipment process and can be installed as a Minor Alteration in most GA aircraft. The AV-20S provides multiple functions such as a Standby Attitude Indicator, derived Angle of Attack, Clocks and Timers, Outside Air Temperature, Density Altitude and a G Meter, all with a 30-minute internal battery backup. The AV-20S fits into a standard two inch round instrument hole and requires minimal installation time.

The AV-30 series PFD is currently available for experimental aircraft and is on track to receive supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for certified aircraft. It includes a highly customisable user interface with displays of Primary Attitude, Slip and Direction of Flight. Pilots can also select from a wide variety of supplemental flight parameters (similar to those of the AV-20S) and customise up to three user pages, selecting from various colour schemes and font sets. Autopilot integration will begin in 2020, after the initial STC approval. The AV-30 fits into a standard three inch round instrument hole and preserves the circular display format associated with the legacy instrument panel.

“I just can't tell you how ecstatic we are to bring the expertly executed AeroVonics technology into this new era of uAvionix. These products are truly best in class, and as standalone products they are exciting,” says CEO Paul Beard. “Paired with uAvionix capabilities, we create a product roadmap that is a home run. This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to the GA marketplace and proves we are here to stay. The AV-20S and AV-30's minimal installation requirements are also perfect for our network of over 700 qualified installers.”

AeroVonics founder Jeff Bethel adds: “This is a very exciting opportunity to bring innovative GA display products to a much wider market far more quickly than we could have achieved on our own. We believe the streamlined, easy-installation nature of our flight instrument suite is a perfect fit with the similarly designed uAvionix product line.”

Manufacturing of the AV-20S and AV-30 will immediately transition to the uAvionix Manufacturing Inspection District Office approved facility in Columbia Falls, Montana. All AV-30 pre-order positions will be honoured and transferred to uAvionix.