The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Color Displays For Light aircraft

15 May 1999

AlliedSignal Aerospace Debuts Color Multi-Function Display for General Aviation; System is the Third in a Series of Color Cockpit Displays for Light Aircraft

    OLATHE, Kan.--May 13, 1999--AlliedSignal Inc. Thursday announced that it will produce a new color multi-function display (MFD), called the Bendix/King KMD 150, for piston and light turbine aircraft. It is the third in a series of new color display products for general aviation cockpits.
    "Pilots have told us they want a product that provides increased situational awareness, flexibility and most importantly, ease of use. The KMD 150 provides a variety of customizable moving-map modes that display the aircraft in relation to its surroundings," said Dan Barks, director, General Aviation Marketing, AlliedSignal Aerospace Avionics & Lighting.
    Using position inputs from a built-in or separate global positioning system (GPS), the KMD 150's five-inch screen (measured diagonally) provides a color representation of aircraft position relative to such geographic features as rivers, roads, lakes, coastlines, cities, railroad tracks and towers. It also displays aeronautical data such as airports and special-use airspace boundaries and altitude limits.
    The system is designed for use in two ways. A pilot who frequently flies under instrument flight rules (IFR) can interface the KMD 150 with a compatible IFR-certified LORAN or GPS system such as the Bendix/King KLN 89B or KLN 90B. When so interfaced, the KMD 150 will automatically display the active flight plan. A pilot who flies strictly under visual flight rules (VFR) might choose the optional built-in GPS receiver.
    The KMD 150 has a number of features designed to make VFR flight easier, including a display that shows topographical elevation with colors similar to those on aviation section charts used for VFR flight.
    Other advanced features of the KMD 150 include its ability to show typical aircraft routings such as Victor airways and weather information from a WX-500 Stormscope(r) system.
    To make the system easier to use, it features on-screen "help" menus and has a joystick control for entering data and highlighting map components for more information. Manufacturer's suggested retail price is $3,995 ($4,795 with integral GPS). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in August 1999.
    Previous AlliedSignal color cockpit displays for general aviation include: 

--   The Skymap IIIC, a portable color map display with or without
     integral GPS. It features a five-inch (diagonal) display and can
     be mounted on an instrument panel or control yoke or held in the
     pilot's lap.
--   The KLN 94, a new GPS navigation system with an integral color
     display with moving-map capability. The KLN 94 fits a standard
     2-inch by 6.25-inch panel opening and can be interfaced with the
     new KMD 150 MFD.

    AlliedSignal Aerospace, a U.S. $7.5 billion unit of AlliedSignal Inc., is the largest supplier of aircraft engines, equipment, systems and services for commercial transport, regional, general aviation and military aircraft.
    With headquarters in Phoenix, AlliedSignal Aerospace manufactures auxiliary power units; turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft propulsion engines; marine propulsion and ground power systems; engine systems and accessories; commercial avionics, including enhanced ground proximity warning systems; flight control systems; environmental control systems; aircraft landing systems; power management and generation systems; and interior and exterior aircraft lighting.
    In addition, AlliedSignal Aerospace provides repair and overhaul services; aerospace consumable spare parts, hardware and logistics support; and management and technical services for space and communications facilities.
    The parent company, AlliedSignal Inc., is a U.S. $15 billion advanced technology and manufacturing company serving customers worldwide with aerospace and automotive products, chemicals, fibers, plastics and advanced materials. The company employs 70,400 people worldwide.
    AlliedSignal is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Standard & Poor's 500 Index, and was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired aerospace company, both in the United States and globally. Fortune also included AlliedSignal in its list of the "100 Best Places To Work In America." Forbes Global listed AlliedSignal in 1999 as the world's best diversified company.
    More information on AlliedSignal is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.alliedsignal.com.

    This release contains forward-looking statements as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about future business operations, financial performance and market conditions. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties inherent in business forecasts.