Bendix/King Intros New Transponder And AoA Indicator

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Before AirVenture 2013, Bendix/King hinted that it would have new products to show, and early Monday morning, it delivered. The company announced a new angle-of-attack indicator called the KLR10 and a new, attractively priced Mode-S transponder with extended squitter to meet the 2020 ADS-B Out requirement. The company also added a surprise addition to the long-awaited KSN770, the KSN650, a navigator-only version of the multi-purpose box Bendix/King has had in the works for several years. Bendix/Kings Roger Jollis said development work on the KSN770 is complete and its expected to be available later this year. Although angle-of-attack indicators seem to be popping up about once a month in one form or another, the KLR10 was a bit of a surprise, since Bendix/King has been rumored to be working on low-cost panel-mount products.

The KLR10, which Bendix/King calls a lift-reserve indicator, uses visual cues augmented by aural annunciations to warn the pilot of impending stall angle of attack. It has a small, two-inch-high indicator mounted in the pilots field of vision and the sensing end of the device fits into an inspection hole in the underside of the aircraft wing; thus no drilling or major fabrication is required to install it. At a price of $1,600, the KLR10 will be sold initially into the experimental market, with approvals for certified aircraft coming later. Not only can the KLR 10 tell you when youre dangerously slow, when you need to do high-performance operations-short-field takeoffs or short-field landings-this will tell you how close you are to the actual maximum lift of the airplane, said Jollis.

In keeping with its commitment to deliver lower-cost avionics, Bendix/King also announced the KT74, a Mode S transponder with extended squitter that meets the 2020 mandate for ADS-B Out. The real eye-opener is the price. The KT74 will sell for $2,999, competing with Garmins $4,300 equivalent, the GTX330, also with extended squitter. Jollis said the KT74 is the first certified product Bendix/King will introduce this year and it’s designed in the industrial style that were told other products in the line will also have. The KT74 is a slide-in replacement for other Bendix/King transponders, including the KT76 and, since it requires WAAS-capable GPS to function with ADS-B Out, the transponder is compatible with the new KSN770 and the Garmin GNS WAAS line of navigators.

Also new to the B/K lineup is the KSN765, which Jollis called a baby brother to the KSN770. The 770 is a full-featured mapcomm with high-resolution VGA display and a unique hybrid interface that allows for both touchscreen and knob/scroll operation. The KSN765 has the same feature set, but it lacks the navcomm and is thus ideal as a second fiddle in panels that dont need the additional radio or conventional navigation capability. The 770 will retail for $13,995, but Bendix/King is offering a $1,000 show discount and is taking orders for September deliveries. The 765 will sell for $12,995 and early buyers can get a $500 discount by ordering at the show. Options on the 770 include a radar interface card and a 16-watt VHF transmitter. Jollis conceded that the 770 has long been long delayed but said its now ready to roll and that Bendix/King submitted the 770 to the FAA for TSO and expects to deliver initial units in September.

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