It is my belief that the Pitot/Static systems now ubiquitous in modern large commercial transport aircraft (30 Seat +) will experience a complete evolution in the next 5-10 years. The technology is already starting to emerge; "Military-Type" Integrated Multi-Functional Probes (IMFP) are now offered for large commercial transport aircraft with integrated flight decks.
These IMFP's are a manifestation or miniaturized version of the Pitot/Static system but nonetheless they are a huge technology progression. These IMFP’s do not require the system checks found in conventional Pitot/Static systems but have their own Built in Fault Awareness. The IMFP/
ADS System coupled with an Integrated Flight deck may look something like this:
Primary air data system
- Three remote mounted multifunction probes including AOA
- Air data application (ADA) software on a DEOS processor module in the MAU
- Interface to the dual TAT (Airframe) via part of an I/O module in the MAU.
The standby air data system shall consist of:
- One combined altimeter/airspeed indicator system
- An Integrated Multifunction Probe (IMFP)
The IMFP’s shall sense and transmit static and total pressure to the ADA on an ARINC 429 bus to an MAU I/O module. The pressure signals from the IMFPs along with TAT, AOA, baro and discrete information shall be used to calculate the air data parameters. (Self diagnostic in other words)
In general, this
ADS shall meet or exceed performance specifications defined by applicable ARINC specifications (ARINC 706) and regulatory TSOs (TSO-C106 and TSO-C88a) for traditional ADCs.
Conclusion
Since error correction and error reporting are real-time, the integrated cockpit can easily find/report unit failure. Less downtime/Less Manpower Consumption/Less Hassle.
Airplay, I am in fact saying that this system requires NO manual system calibration/re-certification found in the conventional Pitot/Static system. The units Built in Self Test Equipment (BITE), nullifies this requirement. Other than daily Power on self tests and yearly combined system testing are required. The requirements of
FAR 91.411 will be greatly reduced if not nullified.
Honeywell does produce a complete IMFP and this probe is available for use with the Epic Primus avionics Suite. However the
ADS system Embraer is using does not include the IMFP. To Date only the Dornier 728 was offering this
LRU for installation to my knowledge.
I can’t emphasize enough the weight savings, lower production costs and long term cost benefits of this
ADS.
Carbon fiber brakes and EFIS Cockpits, once considered military use only and to cost prohibited, eventually made there way into Commercial aviation, so too will this system.
I hope I was more specific with my wording this time, thanks for the great input Airplay.
TechRep