This week at EAA Airventure, Avidyne introduced the TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system, which it bills as the "first color, real-time, lightning-based tactical weather avoidance sensor for general aviation aircraft." The unit uses advanced technology to detect lightning more accurately than previous-generation systems and creates a color-coded display of storm-cell intensity for tactical weather decisions. Unlike competitors, the TWX670 is approved by the FAA to display lightning strikes in the zero to 25-nm range, as well as up to 100 nm out. Avidyne said the box has been TSO'd, and it plans on announce pricing and availability later this year. The TWX670 was developed by Avidyne’s Safety Systems Group (formerly Ryan International) in Columbus, Ohio, and can be displayed on the Avidyne EX5000 and EX500 multifunction displays (MFD), as well as the Avidyne 3-ATI Multi-Hazard Display (MHD).
According to the avionics manufacturer, the TWX670 has a setup screen that provides a spectrum analyzer to identify sources of onboard electrical noise, simplifying antenna installation. "The TWX670 perfectly complements the strategic benefits of satellite datalink weather for [continental U.S.] aviation by providing a highly accurate depiction of convective weather without the time delay of datalink," notes Avidyne Director of Product Marketing Paul Hathaway. "It provides a real-time tactical tool for weather decision-making while significantly enhancing safety and situational awareness in locations or situations when datalink weather is unavailable."
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