Tag Archives for " Press Releases "

Phoenix Heli-Flight Upgrades Fleet of Airbus Helicopters with Appareo’s New 4K Ultra HD Flight Data Recorder

FARGO, North Dakota (March 8, 2022) — Phoenix Heli-Flight, a charter helicopter company based in Alberta, Canada, today announced plans to upgrade the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems on its fleet of Airbus Helicopters aircraft to Appareo’s recently-certified AIRS-400 4K Ultra HD flight data recorder. The announcement was made today at the HAI HELI-EXPO conference in Dallas, Texas.

“When I first met the Appareo team at HELI-EXPO in 2007, I had no idea how essential their products would be to the future success of our company. Following a fatal and easily preventable crash that year, Phoenix Heli-Flight installed Appareo GAU 2000 flight data recorders in all company helicopters, and subsequently upgraded to the Vision 1000. Appareo’s hardware and software have been the cornerstone of our Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) program for 15 years. Appareo’s commitment to upgrading their product offering with the AIRS-400 aligns with Phoenix’s commitment to safety and we are eager to install these units,” said Paul Spring, President & CEO, Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc.

In January, Appareo was granted Part 27 STC AML for AIRS-400, its 4K ultra-high-definition Airborne Image Recording System (AIRS). In addition to recording 4K Ultra HD video, AIRS-400 captures pilot intercom system audio, ambient audio, and detailed flight data. With its inertial measurement units, AIRS-400 captures WAAS GPS (altitude, latitude, longitude, ground speed, vertical speed), attitude data (pitch, roll, yaw), rates of rotation, and acceleration data (G forces) — all in a unit that weighs 11 ounces. It is equipped for cellular data offload and comes with options for ARINC 429 input, ED-155 audio output, and RS-422 output, making it the most versatile and flexible lightweight flight data recorder on the market.

Phoenix Heli-Flight Inc. is a privately owned company that has been in operation for 30 years, and is a regional leader concentrating on providing the most modern types and models of aircraft possible. Since starting the business in 1991 with one leased AStar, Phoenix has grown its fleet of helicopters to be the most modern in Canada, including both single and twin turbine engine light helicopters. [Source: phoenixheliflight.com]

“Phoenix Heli-Flight has always been committed to safety,” said Kris Garberg, Appareo Aviation President. “Paul Spring and his team recognize the value of accurate flight data, and for more than 15 years they’ve been successfully using that information to advance safety and reduce risk as part of their FOQA program. We are pleased to continue our partnership as they upgrade their fleet with AIRS-400,” Garberg said.

The initial STC AML for AIRS-400 includes Airbus AS350, Bell 206, and Bell 407. Appareo’s AIRS-400 is one of the easiest FDM devices to install because it is a small, self-contained system requiring only aircraft power, ground, and GPS antenna connections. The simple installation makes it easy to obtain aircraft field approvals. Appareo plans to add to the STC AML in the future. AIRS-400 is now shipping. Read the original original product announcement for more information.

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https://appareo.com/2022/03/08/phoenix-heli-flight-upgrades-fleet-of-airbus-helicopters-with-appareos-new-4k-ultra-hd-flight-data-recorder/

Appareo Granted Part 27 STC AML for New 4K Ultra HD Flight Data Recorder

FARGO, North Dakota (January 26, 2022) — Appareo today announced the certification of AIRS-400, its 4K ultra-high-definition Airborne Image Recording System. AIRS-400 has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for Airbus AS350, Bell 206, and Bell 407. AIRS-400 is one of the easiest FDM devices to install because it is a small, self-contained system requiring only aircraft power, ground, and GPS antenna connections. The simple installation makes it easy to obtain aircraft field approvals. Appareo plans to add to the STC AML in the future. AIRS-400 is now shipping.

In addition to recording 4K Ultra HD video, AIRS-400 captures pilot intercom system audio, ambient audio, and detailed flight data. With its inertial measurement units, AIRS-400 captures WAAS GPS (altitude, latitude, longitude, ground speed, vertical speed), attitude data (pitch, roll, yaw), rates of rotation, and acceleration data (G forces) — all in a unit that weighs 11 ounces. It is equipped for cellular data offload and comes with options for ARINC 429 input, ED-155 audio output, and RS-422 output, making it the most versatile and flexible lightweight flight data recorder on the market. 

To learn more about AIRS-400, read the original product announcement, and contact Appareo for pricing information. 

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https://appareo.com/2022/01/26/appareo-granted-part-27-stc-aml-for-new-4k-ultra-hd-flight-data-recorder/

AGCO to Acquire Appareo

Increases engineering and manufacturing capabilities as well as capacity in software development and related hardware to deliver end-to-end enhanced technology solutions

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company, (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, announced an agreement to acquire Appareo Systems, LLC (“Appareo”), a leader in software engineering, hardware development and electronic manufacturing. The acquisition is expected to close in January 2022.

Read full news release on AGCO website: https://news.agcocorp.com/news/agco-agrees-to-acquire-appareo-systems

https://appareo.com/2021/12/21/agco-to-acquire-appareo/

Appareo Announces 4K Ultra HD Flight Data Recorder with Cellular Data Offload

“FDM or FOQA programs are valuable for fleet operators to monitor trends, identify areas of risk, and deploy training programs to mitigate those risks. However, it can be a challenge for mixed-fleet operators to effectively analyze their flight data when it is collected in multiple acquisition systems” said David Batcheller, President & CBO of Appareo. “The AIRS-400 is an ideal solution for those programs because it was designed for use in both modern and legacy aircraft,” Batcheller said.

With its one-day installation and simple setup, AIRS-400 is the easiest way to get started with an FDM program. Whether data is offloaded via SD card or cellular transmission, it can then be monitored, analyzed, and played back using Appareo’s suite of FDM/FOQA software tools, which are the easiest flight data monitoring software tools to use on the market today. Together with Appareo’s flight replay and analysis software, AIRS-400 is a powerful tool for debriefing flights, and provides critical troubleshooting insight for maintenance personnel. With the web-based software, Appareo EnVision, an FDM team can set up customized event triggers — derived from their standard flight ops — to create a comprehensive picture of the safety and performance of their crew and aircraft.

AIRS-400 joins the Appareo connectivity ecosystem, which includes some of the industry’s best lightweight flight data recording solutions, including Vision 1000, the flagship recorder by which Appareo pioneered FDM for light fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft.

“Considering our Vision 1000 customers who are interested in upgrading to UHD video and cellular data offload capabilities, AIRS-400 was designed to be a drop-in replacement for the Vision 1000 recorder,” said Kris Garberg, President of Appareo Aviation. “Customers who purchased Vision 1000 from Appareo, or received one in a new Airbus Helicopters delivery, can purchase AIRS-400 and plug the new device directly into the Vision 1000 harness and re-use the original mounting bracket.”

AIRS-400 is pending FAA certification and expected to be shipping in September. A full STC AML will be available — contact Appareo for information about pricing.

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https://appareo.com/2021/06/22/appareo-announces-4k-ultra-hd-flight-data-recorder-with-cellular-data-offload/

Bell Certifies Appareo Device for New Helicopter Flight Data Monitoring Program

Appareo’s Aircraft Communication Units (ACUs) are highly-capable, well-connected mobile computers for a broad range of aircraft types

Earlier this month, Bell Textron Inc. announced the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of an Appareo-developed aircraft communication unit (ACU), which is the on-aircraft component of the Bell QuantiFLY system. Currently available for the Bell 407GXi and Bell 429, QuantiFLY was developed to enable Bell operators to be actionable and drive safety through an affordable, lightweight, and fully automatic flight data monitoring (FDM) solution.

“Bell selected Appareo Systems for connectivity hardware based on its proven track record for both world-wide cellular telematics and aircraft data monitoring. The device utilizes cellular (4G LTE / 3G GSM) on the ground data transmission to offboard aircraft flight parameters and maintenance data via cloud for processing and analytics.” – Bell news release

“Throughout our relationship with Bell, we have witnessed their commitment to provide Bell customers with innovative technology to enhance the safety of their operations and improve their flight experience,” said David Batcheller, President & CBO of Appareo. “Appareo was pleased to partner with Bell on the development of the hardware solution for their new FDM service, and we’re excited that the newly STC’d QuantiFLY is ready to deliver actionable data to Bell customers.”

Appareo’s line of ACUs are lightweight computing and communications devices that function as a data acquisition system for FDM or flight operations quality assurance (FOQA) programs for fleet operators, or as a telematic and connectivity product for airframe manufacturers. Find full product specifications here, or contact Appareo for information about pricing.

https://www.appareo.com/2021/01/28/bell-certifies-appareo-device-for-new-helicopter-flight-data-monitoring-program/

Appareo Releases New Open Platform Telematics Device with Truly Global Connectivity

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Releases New Open Platform Telematics Device with Truly Global Connectivity

The IP67-rated Gateway 370 features Iridium® SBD, 4G/3G/2G, and eSIM, certified for use in the USA, Canada, Europe, Brazil, and more.

FARGO, North Dakota (January 21, 2021) — Appareo today released a new product in the company’s award-winning line of telematic control units (TCUs). The Gateway 370 is a rugged yet lightweight edge computing platform for mobile equipment applications that provides a wide range of communication technologies. This release builds on the Gateway 270 model that was launched in 2020, adding an Iridium short burst data (SBD) satellite transceiver for truly global communication capabilities, and a 433 MHz receiver for use with sensors and active RFID tags.

Gateway 370 is built on an open and flexible platform that supports standard programming languages and tools, allowing Appareo customers to quickly and easily develop their own applications on the hardware. The device is built on a popular distribution of embedded Linux (Yocto) with Docker support, allowing a convenient development environment for C++, C#, or other common development languages.

“This flexibility and approachability gives Appareo customers the control they desire — allowing them to use a variety of approaches and resources to achieve the maintenance, service, and operational benefits customized to their needs,” said David Batcheller, President & CBO of Appareo.

In addition to the satellite and 433 MHz radios, the Gateway 370 comes with the full set of features found in the Gateway 270 model, including global LTE CAT 4 cellular radio with 3G/2G fallback and eSIM; dual core processor for handling significant computational capabilities at the edge; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces for communication between mobile devices and the machine for control and/or monitoring purposes; 6x CAN bus interfaces; Ethernet; BroadR-Reach; RS-232; GPS; and more.

These capabilities are housed in an IP67-rated rugged enclosure for use outdoors and for mounting on construction and agricultural machinery. The device’s array of wired and wireless communication technologies make it well suited for a broad spectrum of equipment control, monitoring, and connectivity challenges.

Wide Area Network
The Gateway 370 is certified for deployment in a broad range of North American, South American, and European markets, making it ideal for equipment manufacturers with broad geographic distribution. Appareo worked with carrier partners Vodafone International and Tata Communications to maximize the geographic potential of the Gateway 370. However, cellular coverage is still limited in some geographies. Appareo’s inclusion of an Iridium transceiver in Gateway 370 ensures that Appareo customers stay connected with their machines and that critical machine data can be retrieved, wherever that equipment may be (land, air, or water).

Local Area Network
The LAN connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 433 MHz) allow machines to communicate directly with each other and with the operators or passengers. For example, people near the machine can be connected, informed, or in control, using real-time data with zero latency and no network costs. Further, the Gateway 370 can communicate with active RFID products (e.g., asset trackers), tire pressure sensors, and other wireless machine sensors. This capability allows for machines to receive information from hydraulic and mechanical attachments, and despite the lack of electrical power on those attachments, use information from the active RFID tag to recognize the attachment, and automatically adjust machine control settings accordingly.

For applications where Iridium is not required and the application may be more cost sensitive, defeatured variants of the Gateway telematic control units are available with the same open platform principle. This family design approach allows Appareo customers to access and utilize a variety of TCUs, on the same open platform, with a variety of capabilities and price points to address specific needs.

Appareo Gateway Series

To contact Appareo, acquire a development kit, and begin working with Appareo Gateways, visit appareo.com/gateways.

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About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace and terrestrial applications. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.

Product Photos: appareo.com/media

https://www.appareo.com/2021/01/21/appareo-releases-new-open-platform-telematics-device-with-truly-global-connectivity/

Appareo Launches Custom iPad Controller for Use in Off-Road Rugged Equipment

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Launches Custom iPad Controller for use in Off-Road Rugged Equipment

FARGO, North Dakota (September 17, 2020) — Appareo today released a new product, the Appareo Grip iPad controller, that enables more seamless interaction between iPad displays and off-road rugged equipment. The Appareo device has completed extensive field testing, is entering production, and is available this year.

As more operators of off-highway equipment have become frustrated with low fidelity displays and poor display performance, they have sought to have smooth interaction between their personal portable electronics and the machinery they operate. Manufacturers are responding to this interest with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interfaces and companion apps for machines. These apps connect with the machine in real time and allow operators to receive information from, and interact with, their machinery. Unfortunately it can be very difficult to interact effectively with touch screen devices because gloved hands cannot create responsive button presses on iPads, and the vibration of the machine makes contact with the application buttons or user interfaces challenging. Moreover, long hours of operating the equipment during peak periods of equipment use, when these supporting devices may be needed most, often exhausts the iPad’s battery life.

The Appareo Grip iPad controller overcomes these challenges by:

• providing convenient direction pad and finger button interfaces that provide inputs to the app over Bluetooth, allowing gloved operators to interact effectively with iPad capacitive touchscreens;
• delivering a surface for steadying the operator’s hand while interacting with the display during machine operation;
• possessing a sun shade to improve device visibility in sunny conditions;
• effectively securing the iPad under vibratory load while furnishing a standard mounting pattern for interface to all manner of ball/socket or suction cup mounts;
• charging the iPad during use.

“Appareo strongly believes that portable electronic devices like iPads and smartphones have a strong role to play in the operation of, and interaction with, off-highway equipment. We all have smartphones and tablets at the intersection of our personal and professional lives. They carry our email, or social networking, our photos, our presentations, et cetera. As much as we expect these devices to interface and interact with our personal lives, our professional lives, and our automobiles, increasingly operators expect these devices to interact with their machinery as well. For years Appareo has been a leader in facilitating the interaction of these devices and off-highway equipment. We’re excited about the Appareo Grip iPad controller launch, and our customers’ continued success in delivering value through the introduction of these devices into their control and monitoring systems,” said David Batcheller, President & CEO of Appareo.

Appareo Grip is designed to work effectively with Appareo’s award-winning line of telematically-enabled electronic control units (ECUs) or as a stand-alone device. To learn more about Appareo Grip, visit appareo.com/products/ipad-control-and-monitoring/.

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About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace and terrestrial applications. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.

https://www.appareo.com/2020/09/17/appareo-launches-custom-ipad-controller-for-use-in-off-road-rugged-equipment/

Appareo Releases New High-Power Type-A and Type-C Charging Port, Stratus Power Pro

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Releases New High-Power Type-A and Type-C Charging Port, Stratus Power Pro

TSO’d and now shipping, Stratus™ Power Pro safely and reliably powers the devices that pilots have come to rely on in the cockpit.

FARGO, North Dakota (September 9, 2020) – Appareo today announced the release of Stratus Power Pro, the latest product in its line of TSO-certified USB charging products. Stratus Power Pro features dual 3.0 amp USB-A and USB-C connectors for interface with both legacy and new portable electronics. The charging ports are backlit for easy location in low-light conditions. Stratus Power Pro was designed to provide 20% more power than the original Stratus Power, providing sufficient fuel to fully recharge smartphones and tablets even while they’re in use.

“The emergence of Appareo’s line of certified power products was born from experiences with our popular line of Stratus ADS-B receivers. Our customers were experiencing NAV/COM noise from radio interference caused by their cheap charging electronics, which was worrisome and potentially unsafe,” said Kris Garberg, President of Appareo Aviation.

“Unfortunately, TSO’d power chargers were hard for our customers to find at a reasonable price, so our goal with this product line was to provide the best-value charging ports with minimal amount of installation time, to reduce the total cost,” said Garberg.

Like the original Stratus Power, the new Stratus Power Pro was designed with a cylindrical shape for easy drill-in installation with a common step bit. This design reduces installation costs while providing a professional, clean-looking installation. Additionally, connectors on Stratus Power Pro are backwards compatible with Stratus Power, allowing for easy swap out for current customers choosing to upgrade.

“Now, with the emergence of higher power, higher performance tablets and EFBs that are more important to our customers than ever before, having a safe, continuous power source for their devices has grown from a convenience to an absolute necessity,” said Garberg.

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Dual 3.0 amp charging ports, USB-A and USB-C
• Blue LED lighted front
• 56 oz, 1.848” w x 1.848” h x 1.263” d (depth includes mating connector)
• FAA certified to TSO-C71
• Designed and built in the USA
• 5-year warranty backed by Appareo

The release of Stratus Power Pro builds on Appareo’s legacy of affordable, high-quality Stratus electronics with another industry-leading capability and price point backed by a fantastic team, brand, and warranty. Stratus Power Pro is now shipping and available for purchase from an authorized Appareo dealer, or from the Appareo webstore: appareo.com/store.

Learn more at stratusbyappareo.com.

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https://www.appareo.com/2020/09/09/appareo-releases-new-high-power-type-a-and-type-c-charging-port-stratus-power-pro/

Appareo Announces Stratus Insight Integration with Avidyne IFD Series Navigators

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Announces Stratus Insight Integration with Avidyne IFD Series Navigators

New multifunction SBAS flight management systems Helios™ and Atlas™ will join IFD 440, 540, and 550 GPS navigators in Avidyne’s list of products integrated with Stratus™ Insight

FARGO, North Dakota (August 27, 2020) – Appareo today announced the integration of Appareo’s Stratus Insight EFB with Avidyne’s newest FMS and GPS navigator products, Helios and Atlas. This integration allows for bidirectional communication between the application and the navigator. This capability is also currently available for Avidyne customers flying with the IFD 440, 540, and 550 GPS navigators.

Using this communication link, customers can create flight plans in the FMS and push them to Stratus Insight or, alternatively, push flight plans created on the app into their navigator. Additionally, if the navigator is receiving ADS-B in, it will send subscription-free weather and ADS-B traffic information directly to Stratus Insight. Other value-added information such as AHRS data that’s available from an Avidyne navigator will be sent to Stratus Insight as well.

To enable this bidirectional communication, Avidyne customers simply connect their iPad or iPhone Wi-Fi to their FMS, and open the Stratus Insight application.

“Avidyne has been delivering exceptional products to general aviation for years,” said Kristofer Garberg, President of Appareo Aviation. “With their expansion into new markets with the Atlas and Helio products, it provides more options for Stratus Insight users when selecting their hardware. Appareo is delighted to be working with Avidyne to deepen the integration to give the users a best-in-class experience in the future.”

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About Stratus Insight
Stratus Insight is a full electronic flight bag (EFB) suite that includes AHRS with synthetic vision, TAWS, VFR sectional maps, IFR low/high charts, and geo-referenced approach plates. Stratus Insight also offers ATC Radio Transcription and Playback, Vertical Weather Profile, Radar Forecast, and Smart Flight Plan. Pilots can receive briefings from Lockheed Martin, and file IFR/VFR flight plans directly into NAS.

About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.

Stratus is a trademark of Appareo ©2020

https://www.appareo.com/2020/08/27/appareo-announces-stratus-insight-integration-with-avidyne-ifd-series-navigators/

Appareo Releases New Telematics Gateway with 4G/3G/2G and U.S., EU, Brazilian, and Other Certifications Enabled by Onboard eSIM

NEWS RELEASE

Appareo Releases New Telematics Gateway with 4G/3G/2G and U.S., EU, Brazilian, and Other Certifications Enabled by Onboard eSIM

FARGO, North Dakota (August 20, 2020) — Appareo today released a new product in the company’s award-winning line of telematically-enabled electronic control units (ECUs). The Gateway 270 is a rugged IP67-rated edge computing platform for mobile equipment applications. This device is deployable in a broad range of North American, South American, and European markets, making it ideal for equipment manufacturers with broad geographic distribution.

Like other 200 series Appareo Gateways, this product contains an array of wired and wireless communication technologies, making it well suited for a broad spectrum of equipment control, monitoring, and connectivity challenges. The Gateway 270 contains Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE (4G) cellular connectivity with 3G/2G fallback, BroadR-Reach, Ethernet, GPS, CAN, and RS-232 serial communications.

Gateway 270 is built on a popular distribution of embedded Linux (Yocto) with Docker support, allowing a convenient development environment for both developers to work on the Gateway using C++, C#, or other common development languages. This flexibility and approachability allows Appareo customers to use a variety of approaches and resources to achieve the maintenance, service, and operational benefits of a highly-capable telematics product.

“Appareo is really excited about this product and its broad geographical potential. Having three generations of cellular technology, coupled with the eSIM, and certified in historically challenging deployment geographies like Brazil will provide major logistic convenience and SKU simplification for our global customers,” said David Batcheller, President and CEO of Appareo.

To maximize the geographic potential of the Gateway 270 Appareo worked with carrier partners Vodafone International and TaTa Communications. The capabilities of Appareo’s carriers, coupled with Appareo’s Data Services Platform infrastructure, delivers convenient device and subscription management over web-based or API interfaces for management of a few—or a few thousand—connected vehicles.

To contact Appareo, acquire a development kit, and begin working with Appareo Gateways, visit appareo.com/gateways.
 
Appareo Gateway Series:

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About Appareo
Appareo is a recognized leader in the custom design, development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software solutions for aerospace and terrestrial applications. Through the creative application of cutting-edge technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include both mobile and cloud-based components. The company is privately held, with headquarters in Fargo, N.D., and a design office in Paris, France. All products are built and supported in the USA.

Product Photos
Download photos from our Online Media Kit.
 

https://www.appareo.com/2020/08/20/appareo-releases-new-telematics-gateway-with-4g-3g-2g-and-u-s-eu-brazilian-and-other-certifications-enabled-by-onboard-esim/