Did anyone see this in the Innovations Center at AirVenture?

Apparently Aerovonics is a new company whose founders have impressive credentials: the founder being a co-founder of Aspen Avionics and Director of Hardware Engineering at Bendix King.  The CEO is from Sandia Aerospace and was the Manager of Production and Product Support.

The AV-20-S is a MFD that fits in a traditional 2 1/4" panel hole.  Although it has many functions, what's really interesting is that it has a "probeless" AOA that connects to the pitot-static system and requires no additional probes or pneumatic plumbing!  It apparently uses solid state sensors to provide the necessary additional data to calculate AOA.  If I understand correctly, the only limitation vs a traditional AOA is that it may be overly-sensitive in a wind shear/down draft situation, but that is a good thing since one would apply the same corrections anyway ... and the earlier, the better!

With the benign handling of my STOL 750 and not being a "super-STOL" type flyer, I've never felt much urge for an AOA.  Also, since my plane is completed and flying, I was put off by the idea of having to install yet another probe and the attendant plumbing into my closed-up and painted wing.  However, this device was being offered for $795 at AirVenture, which is a remarkable price for the AOA function alone!  Top that with the other MFD functions and this is an incredible price!  Maybe by next year we'll have some user feedback or other similar products introduced that keeps downward pressure on an already low price.

I have no association with this product or company, and since they're not even delivering product yet, they have a zero track record, so buyer beware.  But this looks like truly something to keep an eye on, especially for those who do need/want AOA and want an economical or traditional-looking panel!

John

N750A