THOMMEN SUPERSONIC AIR DATA COMPUTER SELECTED FOR F-5 FIGHTERS

MUTTENZ, SWITZERLAND – November 9, 2018. Swiss avionics manufacturer THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT LTD. and California-based MRO and FBO provider CIRCLE AIR GROUP are pleased to announce the selection of Thommen’s AC32 Digital Air Data Computer for the upgrade of a full fleet of F-5 fighter aircraft.

The AC32, renowned for its market-leading reliability and accuracy, has recently received a substantial product enhancement with the addition of high-performance sensors and advanced airspeed computation capabilities to support supersonic operations. The product will be installed on CIRCLE AIR GROUP’s own fleet of CF-5A and CF-5D fighters, which will serve as aggressors and tactical support assets for US Air Force and Navy operational training requirements. The aircraft will receive a complete avionics modernization with the Garmin G3000 flight deck.

“We are extremely proud that CIRCLE AIR GROUP trusted us for this exciting program”, said Thomas Terschlusen, THOMMEN’S Director of Sales & Marketing. “Thanks to our highly configurable air data systems which we can tailor to really match platform-specific requirements, we are convinced that we will greatly enhance the aircraft’s mission capabilities with a modern and superior air data computer solution, fully integrated within the Garmin G3000 suite.”

“When looking at the different options available on the market to upgrade the legacy air data system installed on our CF-5A and CF-5D fighters, we wanted a solution that could support high-performance operations, but that we could also implement with minimal costs and efforts”, explained Dee L. Conger, CIRCLE AIR GROUP’s CEO. “The AC32 is a highly reputed product. We are glad that we chose the THOMMEN solution for our program. It will help us give a second life to those amazing airplanes.”

Circle Air Group is partnered with Tactical Air Support, Inc. to field the world’s largest civilian fleet of F-5 aircraft in support of U.S. and International Military commercial air services requirements.

About THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT LTD.:

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT Ltd. has been supplying the global aircraft industry with Swiss quality avionics and mission equipment for civil and military applications for over one century.

THOMMEN is a world-leading manufacturer of air data computers and altimeters, cockpit and mission displays, digital clocks and chronographs for helicopters, fixed wing aircraft & UAVs. THOMMEN also offers superior aviation qualified flashlights and interior lighting. For more corporate information, please visit: www.thommen.aero

About CIRCLE AIR GROUP:

CIRCLE AIR GROUP is one of the largest FAA Part 145 Maintenance shops and FBOs in Southern California located at Gillespie Field in San Diego (KSEE).  With a large staff of highly experienced mechanics and service personnel, Circle Air Group is uniquely positioned to provide world class maintenance, upgrades and repair services for your turbine aircraft.

At Circle Air, our philosophy is simple … give our customers the best possible experience and they come back. We love aviation. That’s why Circle Air is committed to having a passionate team that anticipates our customer’s needs, pays great attention to detail, safety and security, and strives for excellence in everything we do. For more corporate information, please visit: www.circleag.com/

About TACTICAL AIR SUPPORT, INC.

Tactical Air Support Inc. (TacAir) is a leader in commercial air services, tactical aviation training, and technical advisory services for the US Military and our International partners.  Since its inception in 2005, TacAir has continuously applied innovative business practices to provide the government and aviation industry unparalleled, yet affordable commercial air support and tactical consulting. The TacAir team brings the industry’s finest cadre of proven leaders and aviators paired with one of the world’s largest commercial fleet of sustainable, safe, and upgraded F-5 aircraft.  Our diverse staff consists of former Weapons School Instructors and Graduates, Operational Aviators, Adversaries and Test Pilots, Astronauts, Air Battle Managers, and Aviation Maintenance professionals.  To find out more, please visit: http://tacticalairsupport.com.

Blog Source: https://thommen.aero/thommen-supersonic-air-data-computer-selected-for-f-5-fighters/

AVLIGHT X – Multipurpose Aviation Flashlight

THOMMEN introduces the most tough and reliable AVLIGHT X – Multipurpose Aviation Flashlight. Aluminium, high-end, LED all-purpose Flashlights with 28 VDC docking station for installation into aircraft. Have your easy access to mundane duties while doing pre-flight checks or while supporting a quick airplane evacuation during emergencies. This aircraft flashlight suits your needs.

AVLIGHT X have been tailored to the demands while being carefully developed in cooperation with aircrew and cabin crew worldwide.

The Flashlights environmental conditions and test procedures are RTCA/DO-160G, the latest version for testing of airborne equipment. The AVLIGHT X is IP68 certified.

Flashlight Size:

Length: 8.559” (220mm)

Width: 2.577” (65.5mm)

Height: 2.303” (53mm)

 

Flashlight Weight: 0.8 lb. (365g) excluding the docking station.

Batteries: Multi-cell low self-discharge (LSD) Ni-MH battery pack, rechargeable (included).

Temperature: Their operational temperature reaches from -45°C to +70°C and they are waterproof, durable & rugged. THOMMEN’s features provide safe operation in all tactical environments, even when wearing gloves or in water.

Available in 2 different mode lighting:

White, NVIS Green, Aviation Red

White, NVIS Green, Infrared

Available in four mission related profile colors:

Anodized Black, Powder Coated Grey, Powder Coated NATO-Green, Powder Coated SAR Yellow.

Choose your style and contact us to help you create your customized Flashlight for your fleet!

AVLIGHT X – The next generation of swiss knife in aviation qualified Multipurpose Flashlights.

Content Source: https://thommen.aero/products/avlightx/

The Importance of Choosing the Right Air Data Computer

Modern aircraft use a variety of equipment and devices to assist pilots in their different flight phases. One such device that is vital for an aircraft’s operation is the air data computer.

Air data computers are commonly of the vibrating cylinder pressure sensor type. The device measures altitude, airspeed, pressure and temperature in order to supply high-accuracy parameters to flight controls and navigation systems. Air data computers must conform to stringent standards since aircraft operate at extreme altitudes, speeds and temperatures.

The device also needs to interface smoothly with several other critical aircraft systems such as engine control, guidance and auto pilot systems. It must also communicate through data buses quite easily and conform to established standards. Very few manufacturers have the know how and expertise to come up with units that blend in and perform to the highest levels under the most rigorous conditions, while at the same time also delivering precise data.

The vibrating cylinder technology is proven and reliable and has less drift than common silicon sensors. Swiss flight instrument manufacturer Thommen shows market-leading reliability thanks to its selection of premium-grade materials, from the tin walled cylinders down to the electromagnetic coils that make up the assembly. This top-notch design practically eliminates any need for maintenance or recalibration, thereby providing the best choice for downtime-free operations.

How does the device communicate? Through the ARINC429 interface; an industrial data bus which can be configured, for the best devices, to match specific aircraft types and their operational profiles. The air data computer must have the ability to fit on multiple platforms and to work flawlessly with a variety of third-party systems such as TAWS, ACAS/TCAS, EGPWS, FMS and ADS-B transponders.  A device that can be tailored to the aircraft with options on sensor inputs and encoded altitude outputs is therefore by far a better choice for aircraft manufacturers.

The aircraft manufacturer’s reputation depends on reliability and performance provided by the various systems and sub-systems installed on board. The air data computer holds a key position in this respect.

Blog resource: https://thommenaircraft.wordpress.com/2018/08/08/the-importance-of-choosing-the-right-air-data-computer/

AvSax Evalution

AvSax® are a unique containment bag used to deal with fires in electronic equipment on board of planes. 

There are hundreds of potential fire risks among the electronic gadgets people take on board of aircraft. Planes carrying 100 passengers could have around 500 lithium batteries when you tot up all the laptops, cameras, e-readers, tablet computers and mobile phones… and they pose a potential fire danger.

See more:https://thommen.aero/products/cabin-safety-device/

Thommen Aircraft Equipment Announces Dealership Agreement With Blue Wolf Inc

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT LTD. has executed a dealer agreement with Blue Wolf Inc., a leading manufacturer of innovative Night Vision compatible aircraft lighting products. Blue Wolf is based in Boise, Idaho, USA.

The new partnership will allow Thommen to add NVIS compatible interior LED lighting products to its extensive line of superior quality, aircraft mission equipment, expanding both companies international reach.

“We are very excited to offer Blue Wolf’s line of Night Vision Compatible NVIS lighting products, beginning with their highest quality, ruggedized NVIS and IR lights for OEM line-fit as well as fleet retrofit and upgrades to the latest NVIS standards and general lighting needs. Partnering with Blue Wolf greatly expands our capabilities in a wide range of applications” said Stéphane Jaquier, CEO of THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT AG. “Blue Wolf provides the best in next-gen durable and optimal functional NVG products with space-saving form factors.“

“We are delighted to partner with Thommen Aircraft Equipment to represent us in Switzerland and the rest of Europe.” says Blue Wolf Founder and CEO, Ty Plowman. “we recognize their high-quality product line coupled with the incredible history of the company makes for an ideal partner to Blue Wolf.

Most all of Blue Wolf’s NVIS LED products are offered in various voltage configurations as well as different lighting colour options and dimming controls.

About Blue Wolf Inc.:

Based in Boise, Idaho USA, is a leading design manufacturer of durable NVIS, NVG, and standard LED lighting products for commercial customers, government agencies and military and law enforcement organizations worldwide. Blue Wolf lights are installed on special mission aircraft, watercraft and many military vehicles.

Details Know About Thommen Aircraft Equipment AG

Thommen Aircraft Equipment AG is a world-leading manufacturer of Mission Equipment, Displays, Air Data Displays, Air Data Computers, Digital Clocks and Chronographs for Helicopters, Fixed Wing Aircraft & UAVs.

Watch more videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5ll3gsDKzSmQnEQWyhQz9Q

Know more: https://thommen.aero/

AvSax - Safety Bag for Aircraft

There are hundreds of potential fire risks among the electronic gadgets people take on board aircraft. Planes carrying 100 passengers could have around 500 lithium batteries when you tot up all the laptops, cameras, e-readers, tablet computers and mobile phones… and they pose a potential fire danger.

All are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries but there is always a possibility they can overheat, causing the device to catch fire. This is known as thermal runaway, a rapid, uncontrolled chemical reaction within the battery that causes the internal temperature to rise. When one cell in a battery overheats it can produce enough heat – up to 900°C (1652°F) – to cause adjacent cells to overheat. This can cause a lithium battery fire to flare repeatedly. That’s why AvSax is now carried on all major airlines in America and Europe.

How they work

Simply pour a minimum of two liters of water into an AvSax and then drop the device into the bag, adding additional water as required. The water activates the polymer gel inside the bag, causing it to expand around the device. The AvSax cools the batteries in the device, reducing the likelihood of the battery catching fire but if it does go into what is known as thermal runaway it is all contained within the bag. Amazingly the water is absorbed into the internal lining of the bag so the device is dry when it is removed.

AvSax are a lightweight vacuum packed device designed to mitigate devices that are going into thermal runaway, low-level blast, fragmentation and fireball containment. AvSax has undergone extensive testing and utilise the patented BlastSax Technology.

The AvSax is manufactured utilizing two patented BlastSax which are sewn together to make an inner sleeve. The inner BlastSax are then Hi frequency welded into a water resistant, flame retardant outer case.

View more details: https://thommen.aero/products/cabin-safety-device/