Avidyne Jumps on Touchscreen Avionics Bandwagon

Avidyne announced this week at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., that it is joining the push into touchscreen avionics control with the launch of the IFD540 FMS/GPS/navcom system. The IFD540 is a plug-and-play replacement for the Garmin GNS530, slotting into the Garmin tray and taking up the same real estate on the panel. The 10-Watt IFD540 (retail price $16,995) will begin shipping in the second half of 2012; a 16-Watt upgrade costs $4,995. Integrated Taws-B will be available for $7,995. In keeping with the goal of making its avionics easy to use, Avidyne retains dedicated buttons and line-select keys in the IFD540 so pilots can use either the touchscreen or physical controls. The IFD540 includes Avidyne’s TSO-C146c SBAS/LPV FMS with GeoFill waypoint nomination and FMS Vectors capability, which eliminates flight-plan suspension associated with previous-generation systems. Other IFD540 features include Avidyne CMax approach charts and airport diagrams, standard Taws, 8.33-kHz frequency spacing and two-channel VHF com and nav radios.