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/

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT AG- World-Leading Manufacturer of Aircraft Equipment

Commitment for Quality

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT Ltd. is a world-leading manufacturer of Mission Equipment, Displays, Air Data Displays and Air Data Computers, Digital Clocks and Chronographs for Helicopters, Fixed Wing Aircraft & UAV.

THOMMEN also offers superior aviation qualified Flashlights. The entire product line serves both the OEM production of new aircraft as well as the retrofit market for existing fleets.

As a certified manufacturer and MRO provider, THOMMEN newly supplies interior lighting and unique protection bags used to deal with lithium-ion battery fires in electronic equipment.

Approvals & Certifications

THOMMEN maintains the following quality Approvals and Certifications and our equipment and systems are manufactured according to the EASA Part-21G (POA) – Production Organisation Approval Certificate, the EASA Part-145 Maintenance Organisation Approval Certificate, 

the EASA Part-21 ADOA Design Organisation Approval – the ETSO / TSO (ETSO-C2d, ETSO-C10b, ETSO-C46a, ETSO-C88a, ETSO-C95, ETSO-C106) Authorization and the EN 9100:2009 / AS 9100 Rev. C – Quality Management System Aviation Certificate.

See our Certifications

Long-Term Success

THOMMEN has been supplying the global aircraft industry with Swiss Quality aircraft instruments and aircraft equipment for civil and military applications since its proud origin back in 1915.

We have the ultimate solution for you, as we have determined to go niche many years ago. Our selected products are tailored to meet your specific and unique cockpit and fleet expectations and our customers place their trust in us. Since more than a hundred years.

Original source: https://thommen.aero/

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT Ltd. - World-Leading Manufacturer of Mission Equipment

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT Ltd. is a world-leading manufacturer of Mission Equipment, Displays, Air Data Displays and Air Data Computers, Digital Clocks and Chronographs for Helicopters, Fixed Wing Aircraft & UAV. THOMMEN also offers superior aviation qualified Flashlights. The entire product line serves both the OEM production of new aircraft as well as the retrofit market for existing fleets. As a certified manufacturer and MRO provider, THOMMEN newly supplies interior lighting and unique protection bags used to deal with lithium-ion battery fires in electronic equipment.

Know more: https://thommen.aero/

THOMMEN STRATOTIMER

The new THOMMEN STRATOTIMER 2” and 3’’ is a highly advanced Multi-function Chronograph for Aeronautical applications. It is specially designed for modernization programs and new build of all Aircraft/Rotorcraft types.

The integrated ARINC 429 interface protocol, mounting, backlighting (and dimming) exceeds the DO-160 category/section and the required Certification level of similar products. The display of the STRATOTIMER can be quickly set to full color, NVIS Green or NVIS Red.

Flight Time Function (Start / Stop / Reset), Flight Timer Mode, Sweep Second Hand, UTC Time, Elapsed Time and Elapsed Time Status, Flight Time and Flight Time Statu s, Alarm (FT), Mode Status and Plus/Minus Change, Setup Menu, Master Status and Elapsed Time Function (Star / Stop / Reset).

The Display can be set to “Full Color”, “NVIS Green” and “NVIS Red” as necessary for the mission.

The STRATOTIMER is available as 2” and 3” Multi-function Chronograph

For more information: https://thommen.aero

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

THOMMEN now offers Cockpit and Mission Display Manufacturing Services

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT AG is proud to announce the recent completion of its state-of-the-art ISO class 5 cleanroom and display manufacturing line at the company’s headquarters in Muttenz, Switzerland.

THOMMEN  is expanding its range of services with a first-class display manufacturing capability, allowing to cut LCDs (liquid crystal displays) into the desired sizes, for tailored applications in aircraft cockpits or mission systems. LCD Displays can be physically reshaped or resized for special avionics integrations, where off-the-shelf products often do not meet customer specifications. With its full air-conditioned clean cell, THOMMEN can now provide dust-free lamination and assembly for avionics and mission displays, but also for other kinds of sensitive equipment, under strict temperature and humidity control, in compliance with the most stringent standards in the industry.

Benefit from our renown Swiss high precision manufacturing and get in touch with our team to get more information on our latest products and services.

About us:

THOMMEN AIRCRAFT EQUIPMENT AG has been supplying the global aircraft industry with Swiss quality aircraft instruments for civil and military applications for over one century.

THOMMEN is a world-leading manufacturer of first-class mission equipment, air data computers and displays, digital clocks and chronographs for helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and UAVs. THOMMEN also offers superior aviation qualified flashlights. 

The entire product line serves both the OEM production of new aircraft as well as the retrofit market for existing fleets.

As a certified manufacturer and MRO provider, THOMMEN supplies interior lighting and unique cabin protection bags, used for lithium-ion battery fires in electronic equipment.

Source: https://thommen.aero/thommen-now-offers-cockpit-and-mission-display-manufacturing-services/