Gerry Block founded Sandel Avionics in 1998 to bring high-performance color graphics avionics to unserved general aviation customers by exploiting the emerging technology of rear projection to produce compact panel-mounted electronic cockpit displays. On Wednesdsay at NBAA 2013, Sandel Avionics is celebrating its 15-year anniversary from 3 to 5 p.m. at Booth No. C9340 with a hosted bar, refreshments and prize drawings.

After the market accepted its groundbreaking SN3308 electronic HSI, Sandel turned its attention to terrain awareness and warning systems (Taws). Its ST3400 redefined the fixed-wing Taws market with a full-color terrain warning display using advanced algorithms first developed for the air transport market. The ST3400 enabled large safety improvements at a low installed cost.

Sandel’s best-selling HeliTaws version, customized for rotary-wing operations, has been enhanced with redefined technology to eliminate nuisance alerts in low-level flight. Sandel products are being delivered for Sikorsky’s new generation S-70i Blackhawk, Korea Aerospace Industries helicopters, and are offered by Eurocopter for the EC135 and EC145. Sandel’s HeliTaws software is embedded in Rockwell Collins’s newly launched HeliSure system.

Sandel products also include primary attitude displays and an attitude/heading reference system. During its 15-year history, Sandel has won the AgustaWestland safety award, been named Aircraft Electronics Association Associate Member of the Year, and most recently received the SDBJ Innovation Award in Technology. Sandel holds more than 30 U.S. and international patents, and its products are included in approximately 50 FAA supplemental type certificates.