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Sandel Avionics' Obtains FAA TSO Certification For The ST3400 TAWS/RMI Terrain Awareness and Warning System

FAA TSO-C151a for the ST3400 TAWS/RMIClass A or Class B TAWS, direct replacement for an existing RMI

Vista, California, April 2002...... Sandel Avionics, Inc. of Vista, California has been awarded Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification for its revolutionary ST3400 TAWS/RMI (Terrain Awareness and Warning System) by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The certificate comes after two years of intensive development, engineering, and certification activities. In addition to the TSO, Sandel has also received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its Cessna 421. Sandel has initiated follow-on STCs for several aircraft, with business jets being the first targets. Customer shipments will begin immediately.

Operators of Part 91, Part 135 and Part 121 turbine-powered aircraft are faced with a mandatory requirement to equip their aircraft with TAWS, and are required to install TAWS by March 2005.

The ST3400 operates as a self-contained, integrated display TAWS, housed in a small 3ATI package. The ST3400 is panel-mounted replacement for an existing Mechanical RMI, providing Class "A" or Class "B" TAWS functionality. This allows the ST3400 to be positioned directly in front of the pilot, rather than on the center pedestal, or required to share a low-resolution display.

The compact package, along with the patented LCD projection technology, provides a viewing area equivalent to a typical 4" instrument. The ST3400 relies on this patented display technology to produce a very bright, high contrast, wide angle-of-view display image that is viewable in all cockpit ambient light conditions.

The ST3400 uses Jeppesen terrain and obstacle data to develop the TAWS terrain alerts, and this data is available in 30-arc second and 15-arc second formats. The higher resolution 15-arc second data is available for airports within the US and some international airports.

The ST3400 will support both single and dual unit installations, and within the next few months, will display information from the Goodrich Stormscope® and Skywatch® traffic warning systems. This greatly enhances the overall capabilities of the ST3400.

The ST3400 includes capabilities and features not available from other manufacturers. Unique capabilities and features include operation with an older-generation 0 - 2,000 foot Radar Altimeter, and a "smart" algorithm that reduces nuisance alerts, what Sandel calls "Runway-Aware" alerts. This allows pilots to make precision or non-precision approaches to runways while the ST3400 TAWS analyzes the approach to the runway. "Nuisance alerts" are reduced, while the technology averts the premature suppression of alerts.

Another industry first is Sandel's full product warranty for as long as the original operator owns the unit. Sandel president, Gerry Block, says the ST3400 is truly unique in the industry. "There are several features we have added recently which really separate Sandel from others in the TAWS market," he comments. "With its patented projection technology, the ST3400 is able to perform as a Class "A" or "B" TAWS while adding multi-function features which really enhance its value to the pilot."

Greg Wilson, director of product marketing says, "One of the primary goals was to develop the world's best performing TAWS system at a price that makes sense. Sandel has succeeded in developing a superior TAWS system that reduces pilot work, while improving safety and better informing the pilot of the greatest threat - the ground."

The Sandel ST3400 TAWS is competitively priced and requires significantly fewer hours to install, compared to other TAWS systems.

Sandel also produces the SN3308 ColormapT electronic HSI, which has become the world's best-selling electronic HSI. The SN3308 combines the functions of an HSI, RMI, marker beacon and GPS annunciators, moving map and more, all on a brilliant three-inch color display. Using Sandel's patented edge-to-edge color display technology, this three-inch instrument provides a practical viewing area that equals larger and more expensive four-inch EFIS systems.