Colombian Army Upgrades Fleet with IFD550

Avidyne, February 21, 2024 - MELBOURNE, Florida - Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated avionics systems, announced that the Colombian Army has selected IFD550 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM systems for their fleet of UH-1H, UH-1N, MI-17, and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters as part of their Avionics Standardization Program.

A portion of the fleet has been upgraded and operationalized in 2023 and the second phase of installations has commenced.

In addition to FMS/GPS/NAV/COM precision navigation and VHF communications functions, Avidyne’s IFD550 systems provide 3D Synthetic Vision, an attitude reference system (ARS), and helicopter-specific features, including glove-friendly knob/button & touch-screen user interfaces, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning (HTAWS), and the ability to accept RS-170 video input from infra-red cameras for night and low-visibility operations.

Ed Paulsen, Avidyne’s Vice President of Sales and Business Development said “We are proud to have been selected by the Colombian Army. The IFD550 is uniquely positioned as the only FMS/GPS/NAV/COM in the market with integrated ARS-driven 3D synthetic vision and with both a touch interface as well as physical controls. These features make the IFD550 a great fit for helicopter operations.”

Juan Blaha, Avidyne’s Sales Director for Latin America said “The IFD550 is an ideal solution for the Colombian Army’s helicopter fleet, as it provides significant improvements in situational awareness, utility, and safety for their pilots operating in the rugged helicopter environment”

As part of the IFD550 upgrade, the Colombian Army also added NGT-9000 dual-band ADS-B diversity transponders, which can display ADS-B traffic targets on the IFD550 display and also enable the Ejercito Nacional de Colombia to have complete visibility of where each aircraft is located.

Avidyne IFD550

Avidyne’s IFD550 Systems provide full-featured GPS/FMS navigation, integrated VHF communication and navigation, and a hybrid-touch user interface that offers pilots the best of touch screen operation — even when operating with gloves, along with dedicated knobs and buttons for easy control through all phases of flight. IFD550s include geo-referenced Jeppesen Electronic Approach Charts & Airport/Helipad Diagrams and integrated wireless connectivity.

Plus an integrated Attitude Reference Sensor (ARS), which detects Pitch and Roll motion and enables the display of dynamic three-dimensional Synthetic Vision (SVS) with full-motion three-dimensional “out-the-window” views as well as exocentric “in-trail” views of the aircraft and nearby terrain, obstacles, traffic and terrain. Optional integrated HTAWS and RS-170 video display capabilities provide additional safety and utility for helicopter operators.

About Avidyne Corporation : Avidyne’s continuing leadership in innovation and product design makes flying safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for pilots and their passengers. The company offers a full line of avionics systems for corporate, military, and owner-flown piston- and turbine-powered fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft. Headquartered in Melbourne, FL, the company has additional facilities in Westerville, OH, and Concord, MA.