Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. (AEAC) selected Avidyne (Booth C-071/072 and N-026) to collaborate on the development of the avionics panel for the next-generation “Sun Flyer” solar-electric training aircraft being developed by AEAC, the companies announced on April 21 at the Sun ’n’ Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Fla.

“The Sun Flyer represents a breakthrough in aviation technology and we are certainly happy to be participating in the development of the avionics and instrumentation for this innovative new trainer,” said Avidyne CEO Dan Schwinn.

Led by CEO George Bye, AEAC plans to offer the first certified all-electric airplane for the aviation training market. In late January, the company started flying a single-seat technology demonstrator for its next-generation solar-electric training aircraft, and it continues to perform initial R&D flight-test operations while the first two-seat prototype Sun Flyer is being assembled. AEAC expects to fly the prototype later this year and hopes to obtain FAA certification by the end of 2017.

“Avidyne is at the forefront in avionics technology and we look forward to working closely with them on this program,” said Bye. “Their low-power, high-fidelity touchscreen displays produce high-definition colors and graphics that are ideally aligned with our next-generation electric propulsion technology.”

AEAC is also licensing technology from PC-Aero and collaborating with Redbird Flight Simulations to offer a comprehensive pilot training system.