PRESS RELEASE
20 August 2009
A world first – Skyquest’s
PC in a display
Skyquest Aviation is using Helitech to launch two
revolutionary smart displays that, for the first time,
will allow customers to run their own software applications
on an embedded fan-less PC.
Marketing director Geoff Turner says that Skyquest
Smart Displays offer customers the flexibility to customise
their mission software, without the need to run a separate
lap-top or processors. “As well as showing video
from the EO sensors, the screens have a rugged internal
PC to run applications such as moving map, mission
planning, Automatic Identification System transponder,
Automatic Number Plate Reader – indeed any commercial
Windows™ or Linux™ app.”
The 25 and 30cm (10 and 12 inch) touch-screen displays
are intended for cockpit mounting and each offer Ethernet™ connectivity
and up to five USB interfaces. These can be used to
add a mouse or 3G modem; or perhaps to download images
from a stand-alone digital camera. Turner explains: “we
sourced revolutionary new chips that do not need cooling
from fans, which are essential for conventional computers.
“The displays not only offer extensive flexibility,
but save significant weight and bulk in the cabin.
We have shipped a major batch to a military customer
and the second production run is now under way for
a European helicopter manufacturer. They are already
building space for it in their instrument panels.
Rather than supply ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ software
with their products, Turner says they are responding
to demand from customers to provide a ready platform
for their own applications.
“We want to excite the rest of the market to
the potential that open-architecture devices like these
can offer.”
About Skyquest
Skyquest Aviation supplies industry leading video
display, video distribution, video recording and
video transmitting technology for airborne surveillance
aircraft. Worldwide customers include police, customs,
coastguard, border patrol, military, search & rescue,
air ambulance and government agencies. It also supplies
directly to OEMs and prime contractors worldwide,
as well as most of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers.
For further information contact Geoff
Turner on +44 1628 891017 or visit Skyquest.com
