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Breakthrough Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) Technology from Sandel Avionics

Sandel Introduces the ST3400 Class A TAWS Computer with Database, Self-Contained Color Display and RMI in a Three-Inch Package

SAN DIEGO, CA and NEW ORLEANS, LA -- October 9, 2000 -- Sandel Avionics, a leading innovator of advanced cockpit display technologies for commercial, business and general aviation, today introduced the industry's first Class-A Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) computer with a self-contained, integrated color display. The announcement was made at the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Sandel's integrated display eliminates the need to share radar, EFIS or weather displays, requires minimal crew training and greatly reduces non-revenue installation downtime. The Sandel system installs in as little as 30-50 hours, compared with other TAWS systems that require as many as 100-200 hours for installation.

"We are forging new ground in TAWS compliance by making it less expensive and easier to purchase and install a complete TAWS system in commercial aircraft," said Gerry Block, CEO of Sandel Avionics, based near San Diego. "Sandel's proprietary three-inch display technology has enabled us to become the first company to offer a fully self-contained TAWS computer with an integrated display that can be installed faster and more easily than expensive multi-component systems. The economies created by this product makes it ideal for either Class A or Class B TAWS installations."

Patent-Pending Display Technology

The patent-pending three-inch edge-to-edge display technology in the Sandel TAWS provides a practical screen viewing area that equals larger and more expensive four-inch multi-function and EFIS displays. The Sandel TAWS system fits conveniently into a standard three-inch panel cutout, replacing an existing electro-mechanical RMI indicator without losing any panel space.

Sandel's new Class A TAWS system provides forward-looking predictive terrain conflict warnings by comparing its terrain database to positioning information from an interconnected GPS receiver and current altitude data. Weighing just three pounds, Sandel's TAWS is lighter and less expensive than all other Class A TAWS computer and display combinations.

Key Benefits of the Sandel TAWS System

• Completely self-contained TAWS computer with integrated color display, two-pointer RMI and terrain/runway database in a three-inch 3ATI package
• Fulfills FAA Class-A or Class-B TAWS requirements for passenger-carrying aircraft
• Provides predictive warnings by comparing its terrain database to positioning information from an interconnected GPS receiver and current altitude data
• Self-contained display eliminates the need to "timeshare" radar, EFIS or MFD displays
• The easiest TAWS system to install, requiring 30-50 hours for installation
• The three-inch RMI-sized package has minimum impact on existing cockpit layouts and yields fastest installation time
• Unique two-step RMI/TAWS installation process pioneered by Sandel minimizes non-revenue downtime by enabling TAWS compliance to be achieved over two normally-scheduled maintenance cycles
• Integrated, two-pointer RMI adds FMS as additional bearing source
• Super sharp, brilliant color display is readable even in direct sunlight
• Suitable for airline, air charter and corporate aviation use
• High reliability: total system exceeds 12,500 hours MTBF, 7,500 hours MTBS

Price and Availability

Sandel is currently booking shipments for the ST3400 TAWS / RMI in July, 2001. The suggested list price is $34,500.

About Sandel Avionics

Sandel Avionics is an industry leader in the development and support of advanced cockpit display systems for commercial, business and general aviation. According to a recent industry AEA survey, Sandel enjoys a market share of approximately 50 percent in the electronic HSI and 90 percent in the EFIS product categories, making Sandel the dominant supplier of these products.

Sandel's SN3308 ColorMapT HSI 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.

Sandel's new system is being designed to fulfill FAA requirements for both Class A terrain awareness and warning systems mandated for certain Part 121 and Part 135 flight operations, and Class B TAWS requirements for certain Part 91 aircraft. It includes a two-pointer RMI and can directly replace an existing electro-mechanical RMI indicator without the loss of panel space.

Sandel's network of authorized avionics dealers and modification centers provides installation and maintenance services for the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Rim and much of the developed world. Sandel Avionics is a member and supporter of the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Regional Airline Association (RAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Founded in 1996 and privately held, the company maintains a modern engineering and manufacturing facility in Vista, Calif., near San Diego. For more information dial 1-760-727-4900 or visit the companies web site at www.sandel.com.

Editors' Note: Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS) are FAA-required by March 29, 2005 in most U.S. registered fixed-wing turbine aircraft configured with six or more passenger on seats. The Sandel TAWS system meets both Class A and Class B requirements.

Sandel, ST3400, SN3308 and ColorMap are trademarks of Sandel Avionics. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.