GPS World

Category: Transportation

  • GPS Autopilot Copter Marketed to Consumers

    DJI, developer and manufacturer of UAV systems, today announced the launch of the Phantom, the company’s first easy-to-fly, consumer quadcopter. Accorrding to DJI, before the Phantom, building and flying multi-rotor aircraft was a complex task only performed by professionals and extreme hobbyists.  With the Phantom, DJI brings professional-level multi-rotor flight control technology to the average person by incorporating DJI’s intelligent, GPS-based autopilot system into the Phantom. This provides for simple, ultra-stable and reliable flight characteristics right out of the box. Priced at $679, the Phantom is also half the price of competing units that require complex building and soldering to assemble.

    The Phantom comes with a remote-control unit containing pre-programmed autopilot parameters and a GoPro camera mount, making aerial cinematography easy for almost anyone, the company said. With the built-in DJI Naza-M autopilot system with GPS module, the Phantom has both GPS Attitude and Attitude Control Mode. Pilots can switch between the two modes to achieve particular flight experiences. Also incorporated are safety parameters, such as a failsafe feature that will bring the Phantom back to its take-off point and land itself if it loses signal from the remote control unit for any reason.

    Features of the Phantom:

    • Highly integrated design with high intensity orientation-aiding LED indicators
    • Ready-to-fly right out of the box – no programming needed
    • Stable and easy to fly with agile performance
    • Multiple flight modes, including GPS position hold
    • Intelligent Orientation Control (IOC)
    • Failsafe and auto go-home/landing
    • Camera mount included for GoPro.

    “DJI has always been at the forefront of both UAV flight control systems and innovative airframe technology,” stated Colin Guinn, CEO of DJI North America.  “The PHANTOM is more than an evolution of our existing technology, it is a quantum leap forward in bringing professional-level, multi-rotor aircrafts to the average consumer.”

  • TI’s Wi-Link 8Q Provides Wireless Connectivity for Auto Infotainment

    Wireless connectivity is becoming a key feature in automobiles for sharing and viewing content from smartphones and tablets to in-car systems, easy pairing of devices, navigation and replacement of expensive cables for in-car communication. To answer this need, today Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) introduced the WiLink 8Q family of wireless automotive connectivity solutions.

    “GNSS technology combines GPS and GLONASS signals with the on-chip positioning engine producing a more accurate fix of your location, making “urban canyons” non-existent,” according to the TI Behind the Wheel blog. TI is demonstrating WiLink 8Q and other technologies at the Consumer Electronics Show this week in Las Vegas.

    With its multi-radio technology, the WiLink 8Q family reaches new levels of cross platform scalability and delivers advanced features including in-car multimedia streaming video in parallel with Bluetooth hands-free calling and advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) stereo sound. Additionally, with near field communications (NFC) for easy Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairing, WiLink 8Q solutions enable an easy connection between a smartphone or tablet and the automobile, providing a seamless user experience, according to TI.

    The WiLink 8Q family is designed for Wi-Fi Certified Miracast operation. With an integrated power amplifier (PA) and complete software reuse across all family members, WiLink 8Q solutions provide a full range of products for wireless automotive infotainment including:

    • Super-combo SoCs with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, NFC, and GNSS support.
    • Combo-connectivity system-on-chips (SoCs) with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support.
    • More integrated combo-connectivity SoCs with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy and NFC.

    “Delivering the familiar experience consumers have with smartphones and the tablets into the automobile to share information and content from drivers’ and passengers’ devices is driving the need for strong wireless connectivity solutions. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and GNSS have to work together seamlessly as integrated parts of the entire system,” said Mattias Lange, automotive connectivity product line manager, Wireless Connectivity Solutions, TI. “The WiLink 8Q family takes our expertise in wireless connectivity and automotive applications to the next level with support of four different RF technologies on one SoC – a truly integrated approach to automotive infotainment.”

  • Unmanned Innovation Autopilots Integrate VectorNav IMU into Its INS/GPS

    Unmanned Innovation, a provider of Development Platforms for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), announced that it has partnered with VectorNav Technologies to integrate VectorNav’s VN-100 inertial measurement unit (IMU) into its os-Series Autopilots. Unmanned Innovation’s os-Series Autopilots offer a customizable solution that enables rapid prototyping and cost-effective production of fixed-wing, helicopter, multi-rotor, and custom configuration UAS. Unmanned Innovation has integrated VectorNav’s VN-100 miniature, calibrated MEMS-based, surface-mount IMU to provide customers the option of a fully calibrated and thoroughly tested IMU.

    Unmanned Innovation’s os-Series Autopilots, made commercially available for the first time in November 2012, combine modular hardware with an open architecture, making each autopilot a development platform.

    The os-Series Autopilots are offered in multiple form factors with features tailored for various vehicles, payloads, and applications. Each os-Series Autopilot is a complete integrated solution and contains an INS/GPS with air data incorporating the VectorNav VN-100, a datalink radio, payload interfaces, and a Linux computer within one miniature package, starting at 32 grams. The os-Series Autopilots come with professionally written flight control and mission software that Unmanned Innovation provides under a royalty-free license that allows for easy modification, extension, and inclusion in proprietary products.

    The partnership between the two companies began during AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems North America 2012 conference in August, where Unmanned Innovation was introduced to VectorNav’s VN-100 and recognized it as an attractive alternative to its existing inertial measurement sensors due to its small form factor, low-cost, and high-precision calibration. Unmanned Innovation’s flexible architecture allowed for quick integration of the VN-100 and VectorNav provided custom firmware with a faster update rate to make the IMU compatible with Unmanned Innovation’s requirements.

    The VN-100 IMU, calibrated for bias, scale factor and misalignment errors at room temperature or over the entire thermal operating range of the sensor increased the accuracy of the os-Series Autopilot navigation solution. After a short development cycle, testing and verification, VectorNav’s VN-100 IMUs are now fully integrated within Unmanned Innovation’s os-Series Autopilots. The complete os-Series product line is shipping to customers in the USA and abroad and is free of ITAR restrictions.

    “We are very pleased to be working with Unmanned Innovation on their os-Series Autopilot, which we find to be a very unique and high-value product that fills a significant gap in this market,” said John Brashear, VectorNav’s president. “We hope that the VN-100 adds to this value by allowing Unmanned Innovation to focus on its strengths improving the os-Series while securing a long-term, dependable sensing solution and partnership with our company.”

  • Maritime Access for the North Sea with e-Navigation Conference Set

    ACCSEAS is hosting its first conference, “Pioneering safer maritime access for the North Sea with e-Navigation,” to be held in Flensburg, Northern Germany, March 5-7, 2013.

    What is expected to be a first annual conference of the ACCSEAS (Accessibility for Shipping, Efficiency Advantages and Sustainability) project will examine how to address significant current and future issues which may impact on safe navigation in the North Sea and western Baltic Sea by pioneering safe regional access through the use of e-Navigation.

    Themes for the March 2013 Conference will include:

    • Defining regional e-Navigation for safe and efficient access to ports in the North Sea;
    • Providing an innovative approach to North Sea accessibility and efficiency challenges; and
    • The use of e-Navigation as a sustainable way forward for improving navigational safety within our region.

    A recent ACCSEAS project workshop in the Netherlands in December 2012, which was attended by representatives from major North Sea ports, well known shipping companies, navigation authorities and equipment suppliers, identified significant issues which may interfere with safe navigation in the North Sea and the neighbouring area of the Western Baltic.

    The issues identified by the workshop that can be further explored within the conference included:

    • Implications of renewable power generation, particularly the proliferation of wind turbines and potential  reductions in navigable “sea room”;
    • The prediction that an increase in ship size, particularly amongst container vessels, is unlikely to reduce shipping traffic densities;
    • The need to recognise the complexity of bridge systems in the training of seafarers;
    • Questioning by mariners of their trust in the accuracy of existing onboard navigation systems;
    • Provision of a navigational back-up in the event of failures, jamming or “spoofing” of vulnerable satellite based systems;
    • Identifying the need to provide better links between mariners and policy makers at national, European and International levels;
    • Better provision of information between ship and shore personnel, particularly with respect to routing and weather information.
    • The conference will also include the establishment of the first North Sea e-Navigation Forum to bring together users, stakeholders and navigation authorities and provide a voluntary arena for discussing and advising on the future implementation of e-Navigation in the region.

    The ACCSEAS Project, which seeks to improve maritime access to the North Sea Region of Europe, is run by a partnership of navigation and maritime authorities, academic institutions and industry from Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and United Kingdom.

    Within this area, ACCSEAS aims to implement and demonstrate a practical test-bed for e-Navigation prototype services in order to demonstrate proof-of-concept solutions to existing and potential navigation issues within the region.

    Commenting on the ACCSEAS Project and the first annual conference, Roger Lockwood, Chief Executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board, stated:

    “The ACCSEAS project is an exciting opportunity to put the maritime community at the centre of future innovation in navigation safety for efficient access to North Sea ports.”

    Further information and registration details for the conference will shortly be available on the ACCSEAS website.

  • Trimble Acquires Transportation Company ALK Technologies

    iphone-RenaultApp .Credit: ALK Technologies
    ALK Technologies CoPilot Live software enables OEMs to bring own-brand turn-by-turn navigation apps to market.

    Trimble has announced that it has acquired privately-held ALK Technologies Inc. of Princeton, New Jersey. ALK Technologies specializes in routing, mapping, mileage and navigation technologies. ALK Technologies offers proprietary routing and international map-based solutions for transportation, logistics and mobile workforces.

    The addition of ALK is expected to extend and complement Trimble’s Transportation and Logistics product portfolio, including TMW Systems’ transportation management solutions, PeopleNet’s integrated onboard computing and mobile communications systems, and GEOTrac’s fleet management and worker safety solutions for the oil and gas industry. Financial terms were not disclosed.

    ALK software products include CoPilot Live, which offers onboard GPS navigation for professional drivers, and PC*MILER, a truck-specific mileage solution recognized as an industry standard for logistics, manufacturing, government and transportation operations. ALK offers a consistent data platform for operational planning activities, such as mileage and routing and in-cab navigation applications used by fleet drivers. ALK products are sold worldwide and feature extensive international map data. Approximately 64 percent of North American for-hire motor carriers use ALK solutions, including 98 of the top 100 largest for-hire carriers, 47 of the top 50 logistics companies and 77 of the top 100 private fleets.

    “The addition of ALK Technologies expands the portfolio and scope of innovative solutions we can offer transportation providers, logistics companies and shippers,” said David Wangler, president of TMW Systems, a Trimble Company. “The combination of ALK’s routing, mapping, mileage and navigation capabilities with our enterprise transportation management software and the mobile communications solutions under the Trimble Transportation and Logistics umbrella supports our comprehensive and industry-focused technology approach.”

    “This is a significant milestone in ALK’s long history in transportation,” said Barry Glick, president of ALK Technologies, who will continue to lead the organization. “We are excited to join our well-known and respected partner TMW Systems under the global umbrella of Trimble. These organizations share our passion and vision for how location information can transform business and productivity.”

    ALK Technologies business will be reported as part of Trimble’s Mobile Solutions segment.

  • Locata Tests Lead to Air Force Contract for Non-GPS Positioning System

    Locata Corporation today announced the U.S. Air Force (USAF) has signed a sole-source, multi-year, multi-million dollar contract to install the U.S. military’s first revolutionary ground-based LocataNet positioning system at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The USAF will field Locata’s new technology for extremely accurate “reference truth” positioning across a vast area of White Sands when GPS is being completely jammed.

    In a recent USAF technical report, the need for a new non-GPS based positioning capability was described by the 746th Test Squadron as the key component for “the realization of the new ‘gold standard truth system’ for the increasingly demanding test and evaluation of future navigation systems for the U.S. Department of Defense.” Locata is the new technology now contracted to enable this capability for the USAF’s future truth reference, the Ultra High-Accuracy Reference System (UHARS).

    The report documented extensive testing of Locata’s new capabilities when a LocataNet covering 1,350 square miles (3,500 square kms) was first deployed at White Sands. The USAF and the 746th Test Squadron proved a LocataNet can accurately position USAF aircraft over a large area when GPS is denied. Locata delivered accurate independent positioning as good as, or better than, the USAF’s current CIGTF Reference System (CRS). The Locata non-GPS based positioning capability is core to the UHARS that will now replace the CRS in 2014.

    After the exhaustive aircraft testing, the USAF concluded that the Locata system had not only met the extremely demanding contractual tracking and positioning requirements, but actually exceeded them on many points. Some of the milestones documented and confirmed by the USAF included:

    • The USAF report documented LocataNet position accuracy of 2.5 inches (6cm) horizontally and 6 inches (15 cm) vertically – about the size of a dollar bill – for aircraft flying at a distance of 30 miles (50km) at up to 350 mph (550 km/hr) at 25,000 feet, without GPS.
    • Throughout the period of the testing, the entire White Sands network achieved nanosecond-accurate synchronization within several minutes of the LocataNet being activated, and remained synchronized even during severe weather until turned off at the end of each test.
    • The USAF tests showed that a stock standard Locata transmitter – the same unit used in commercial applications like mining – could have an amplifier attached to easily boost signals for long-range reception. By attaching a simple, inexpensive 10 watt amplifier, the USAF proved that Locata signals could be acquired and tracked by aircraft at distances of up to 60 miles (100 km). Longer distances could be enabled by attaching higher-powered amplifiers.
    • Before to the White Sands flight trials, commercial Locata systems had only been used to position ground-based vehicles, such as cars, trucks, bulldozers and drill rigs in local areas. For the USAF tests, however, the Locata system needed to function under dynamic aircraft operating maneuvers, including banking, angular and linear accelerations, airspeeds up to 300 knots (560 km/hr), and altitudes up to 30,000 feet above sea level. The required aircraft performance was verified in the real-world testing.
    • The USAF required Locata to design, prototype and then deliver aircraft-certified antennas for use on both the Locata ground-based transmitters and the USAF aircraft. Locata worked with Cooper Antennas Ltd. of Marlow in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom, to produce an aircraft-certified version of Locata’s new quadrifilar helix antenna design. The Cooper manufactured antennas were used throughout the tests with excellent results, and confirmed Locata’s research and analysis.

    “Locata Corp delivered a LocataNet for use in our October 2011 technical demonstration on White Sands Missile Range that provided time and position truth, independent of GPS, that was better than 18 cm (6 inches) per axis while flying at 15,000 and 20,000 foot above mean sea level profiles,” said Christopher Morin, technical director for the 746 Test Squadron. “The solutions provided by the LocataNet were within the accuracy tolerance of the squadron’s CIGTF Reference System and met our threshold objectives. Further analysis has shown that if we optimize the LocataNet deployment, characterize its errors and tightly couple its range and carrier-phase measurements with the other GPS and inertial components on the UHARS pallet into the UHARS solution post-processing software, I am confident we will be able to meet our 5-cm (2-inch) per axis truth reference objective. I am very pleased with the LocataNet’s demonstrated ability to produce an accurate, dynamic truth reference from the relatively static implementation they had already deployed in the mining industry.”

    “Locata products developed and sold by important commercial partners like Hexagon and Leica Geosystems have already shown our new technology is a game-changer for positioning over industrial-sized areas,” said Nunzio Gambale, CEO and co-founder of Locata. “However, proving Locata can provide the USAF with centimeter-accurate non-GPS positioning over a vast military area when GPS is jammed instantly elevates our technology achievements into a completely new league. It’s important to grasp the scale of what we’ve done here. The 2,500 square mile LocataNet at White Sands will be 74 times the size of Manhattan Island. It must be clear, our ability to deliver centimeter-level (inch-level) positioning over an area that large, without using GPS satellites, is both unique and totally revolutionary. No one else on Earth can do this. Many valuable industrial and consumer apps will now be built around our amazing inventions, created by Locata’s co-founder David Small and our brilliant engineers.”

    “This contract makes it clear you are witnessing the arrival of one of the most important technology developments for the future of the entire positioning industry,” Gambale declared.

    Under this new contract Locata will provide the USAF with Locata receivers and LocataLite transmitters to blanket 2,500 square miles (6,500 sq km) of the White Sands Range. Locata will also:

    a)     deliver extended hardware warranty, along with ongoing Locata software and firmware upgrades, through to the year 2025;

    b)     supply multi-year support for the installation, fielding and testing of Locata networks; and

    c)     provide long-term consultation and expert technical advice to ensure optimal operational performance of the USAF’s fielded LocataNet systems.

  • CE-Traffic Launches Premium RDS-TMC in Poland

    CE-Traffic, a traffic data provider in Central-Eastern Europe, has extended its portfolio of traffic services in Poland, the country where over last five years the number of vehicles has grown by 50 percent. Drivers in Poland can look forward to more options in receiving real-time traffic information with the launch of the new Premium RDS-TMC service by CE-Traffic, the company said.

    “We looked at TMC solution with all its limitations and asked ourselves: how we can get more out of the technology that has been around for more than a decade so that navigation systems vendors can offer to their customers an easy-to-implement and affordable traffic service of a real value? Our Premium RDS- TMC offers drivers an access to very detailed traffic information without any mobile telecommunication cost and subscription fees,” said Jiri Novobilsky, CEO of CE-Traffic.

    Competitive advantage of CE-Traffic Premium RDS-TMC is based on smart use of TMC components, according to CE-Traffic. Up-to-date traffic flow data and journalistic information are smartly aggregated and regionally filtered. CE- Traffic TISA certified Location Table (LTN 6) offers the best available coverage. It includes not only all major roads and streets but also lower category roads commonly used by drivers like shortcuts or alternative routes. RDS channel with enhanced capacity allows broadcasting high number of traffic messages (over 1,000). The service is available country-wide thanks to partnership with Radio ZET – leading Polish radio station.

    Tomasz Przeździęk, CE-Traffic director for Poland, added: “When looking at overall traffic offering for personal and in-car navigation systems in Poland one can see that expensive connected devices did not achieve the major market acceptance. Proven TMC standard together with high quality CE-Traffic Floating Car Data is an easy to implement alternative to provide drivers with the most accurate and up-to-date traffic information.”

  • NVS Technologies Selected by Alberding for Sub-Meter GNSS Receiver

    Alberding GmbH, a  developer and distributor of professional GNSS system solutions, has recently announced the Alberding A07 personal navigator, featuring NVS Technologies AG’s NV08C-CSM high-performance multi-GNSS constellation receiver. The Alberding A07 is a low-cost single frequency GNSS receiver designed for personal navigation and other sub-meter accuracy positioning applications in an urban environment.

    The device integrates NVS Technologies’ NV08C-CSM multi-constellation (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, COMPASS and SBAS) L1 receiver with GPRS and Bluetooth communication modules, an RFID reader, and a processor. The Alberding A07 comes with an integrated GNSS antenna, but for monitoring and tracking applications, it is also available with an external antenna.

    Applications include:

    • Pedestrian navigation and tracking
    • Navigation for the visually impaired
    • RFID based indoor positioning
    • Transportation
    • GIS data collection
    • Displacement monitoring and alarming

    The Alberding DGNSS processing algorithm and Kalman filter take raw GNSS observation data to compute a highly accurate position solution in real time. Position information can then be transmitted via Bluetooth to custom specific applications running on devices such as smartphones. As an example, the Alberding A07 can assist blind or visually impaired people with orientation and navigation on the streets.

  • GPS Tracking Devices Approved for Use on Cargo Airlines

    GTX Corp, which makes customizable, patented two-way GPS solutions, has announced the approval of a custom designed GPS tracking device for use on the cargo airlines AirNet and Cargolux. The custom configured device will be made available as an add-on service to customers of MNX, a provider of expedited transportation and logistics services, to provide a new level of visibility and control for high value and mission critical shipments.

    “We have been working diligently with AirNet and Cargolux to gain the necessary approvals to bring this one-of-a-kind offering to market. We are very pleased to see this day finally come to fruition,” said Patrick Bertagna, GTX Corp cChairman and CEO. “Over the next few weeks we will work closely with the MNX team to formulate a domestic and international deployment strategy to introduce this offering to MNX customers around the world.”

    Designed for customers that ship high value, time or temperature sensitive materials, the technology is well-suited for customers in the life sciences industry. The GPS solution will bring extra security to sensitive shipments, including the transportation of items such as organs, blood, tissue, medications, clinical trial samples and medical devices.

    “The GTX Corp tracking platform gives us the ability to better identify and resolve any unforeseen challenges throughout the entire transport and gives our customers added confidence and peace of mind that their shipment is secure at every step,” said Scott Cannon, MNX CEO. “By providing our clients with real-time tracking of their shipments, MNX will offer an unmatched layer of service, security, temperature integrity and reliability.”

    The GPS device transmits the latitude and longitude, speed, bearing, altitude and temperature of the plane or vehicle carrying the shipment. The device and GTX platform also provide an easy-to-use customer interface with live shipment tracking and geo-fencing capabilities, allowing customers to know exactly when their mission critical shipments depart and arrive in key destinations. The GTX device is small and light weight (comparable to the size of a standard garage door opener), making it easy to insert in even the smallest packages.

    “We realize the capability to track valuable shipments with such detail is especially important to the life sciences industry, especially as this industry continues to expand so rapidly,” said Bertagna.

    AirNet, a leading domestic specialty cargo airline specializing in life sciences transportation, and Cargolux, one of the leading scheduled all-cargo airlines, were among the first airlines to conduct a thorough testing process to certify the GTX device, while MNX and GTX continue collaborating to expand the use of the offering to other partner airlines.

  • Magellan Introduces Five-Inch RoadMate RV GPS Navigator

    Magellan today announced its first 5-inch RV GPS model, the Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB GPS, designed for RVs with smaller dashboard spaces. Magellan will display its new RoadMate RV5365T-LMB at the RVIA Show (Booth H) this week in Louisville, Kentucky.

    The ideal travel companion for drivers of Class B and Class C RVs and those who tow other recreational vehicles such as fifth-wheel trailers or boats, the Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB helps when planning trips and promotes safety while on-the-road, the company said.

    When preparing for their trips, the Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB makes it easier for RV drivers to set up profile data about their vehicle’s dimensions, vehicle type, hazmat materials, as well as navigational preference so they can customize the best routes.

    The Good Sam Campground Directory and Good Sam discount locations, pre-loaded into the RoadMate RV5365T-LMB, provide RV travel resources featuring comprehensive North America campground information and amenities to facilitate locating available facilities, RV services, pet-friendly campgrounds and parks, tent spaces, Wi-Fi and more.

    During trips, the Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB helps drivers navigate on its 5-inch high-definition touch screen that adjusts color and contrast for the most optimal night visibility. To help drivers keep their eyes on the road, the RoadMate RV5365T-LMB features Spoken Street Name guidance to announce street names and give turn-by-turn directions. The integrated Bluetooth wireless technology enables RV drivers to safely talk hands-free when the GPS is paired with a compatible Bluetooth phone.

    In addition to free lifetime map updates and free lifetime traffic alerts, the Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB GPS navigator includes many of Magellan’s latest high-end features to make navigation safer and easier.

    • Junction View displays a realistic image of the road and highway signs to help guide RV drivers to the correct lane that the vehicle needs to be in for safe merging and exits during their trip.
    • Next Turn visibility prepares drivers with valuable information about which lane to stay in or enter when approaching the next turning location.
    • Landmark Guidance gives RV drivers an easier way to navigate to their destinations by telling them to turn at familiar landmarks such as gas stations, stores or other large, easily-seen places instead of only street names that may be hard to locate and read.
    • The Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB includes one year of free service to ‘Traffic Camera Alerts,’ powered by PhantomALERT, to warn drivers about upcoming red light and speed cameras on their route.
    • OneTouch, another Magellan-exclusive feature, enables drivers to bookmark and assign a button to their favorite destinations or searches for faster access.

    Continuing to enhance the driver safety and peace-of-mind to see behind their RV, the Magellan RoadMate RV5365T-LMB is compatible with Magellan’s award-winning Wireless Back-up Camera ($149.99 MSRP). When the vehicle is in reverse-mode, the RoadMate RV5365T-LMB will automatically switch from navigation mode to become a rear-view monitor that allows the driver to see what is behind the vehicle including children, pets and toys, or for assistance when parking into a tight parking space.

    “Driving an RV or towing any size recreational vehicle can be very challenging on today’s crowded roadways and Magellan is dedicated to giving RV drivers the best navigational tools for the safest journey,” said Stig Pedersen, Associate Vice President of Product Management for Magellan.  “We are pleased to offer the RV community the most innovative navigation features plus a choice of RoadMate RV GPS devices to best fit their needs.”

    Available in January through Magellan’s consumer electronics and online partners including Camping World, Canadian Tire Corp. and Amazon.com, the Magellan RoadMate RV 5365T-LMB is $299.99 (MSRP).

  • Butler Offers Lear 35/36 STC for WAAS with Garmin Nav System

    Butler National Corporation, which specializes in the aerospace sector of structural modification, maintenance, repair, and overhaul, announces issuance of the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)  for installation of the new Garmin GTN series of navigators that provide GPS, navigation, and communications. The installation is for GTN 750 navigators in the Learjet Models 35/35A/36/36A with the FC-200 autopilot and the Learjet Model 24.

    The Garmin GTN series features intuitive touchscreen controls and a large-screen display that give Learjet pilots unprecedented access to high-resolution mapping, graphical flight planning, and geo-referenced charting, among many other features. The installation also features new GPS roll-steering that allows seamless navigation operations with turn anticipation and waypoint sequencing interfaced to the autopilot.

    “This approval offers a significant and economical avionics upgrade for the Lear 30 series airplanes,” said Clark Stewart, president and CEO of Butler. “The STC for the new Garmin GTN series allows us to tap into a sizeable upgrade market for retrofit of flight management systems. The Garmin GTN upgrade provides significant functionality upgrades, including WAAS GPS approaches and roll-steering interface to the autopilot.”

    “We have designed the installation to provide cost-effective options to meet the various Learjet operator requirements. We will be offering the GTN Learjet installations through our avionics facility Kings Avionics starting under $100,000,” commented Craig Stewart, Aerospace division president.

    Butler National Corporation operates in the Aerospace and Services business segments. The Aerospace segment focuses on the manufacturing of support systems for commercial and military aircraft including the Butler National TSD for the Boeing 737 and 747 Classic aircraft, switching equipment for Boeing McDonnell Douglas Aircraft, weapon control systems for Boeing Helicopter, and performance enhancement structural modifications for Learjet, Cessna, Dassault, and Beechcraft business aircraft.

  • Public Transport ITS Market in Europe Expected to Reach €1.5B by 2016

    According to a new research report from the analyst firm Berg Insight, the market value for Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) deployed in public transport operations in Europe was €0.76 billion in 2011. Growing at a compound annual growth rate of 15 percent, this number is expected to reach €1.5 billion by 2016. Berg Insight is of the opinion that the European market for ITS for public transport is in a growth phase which will last for several years to come.

    In a statement, Berg Insight said the fluctuating economic climate has in most countries had little effect on the market as the public investments which underpin a major part of the ITS initiatives have remained stable throughout the periods of crisis. The vendor landscape for public transport ITS consists of a variety of actors. The companies INIT, Trapeze Group and IVU have emerged as leaders in Europe, having broad product portfolios and large numbers of installed systems in many countries. There are also local players with considerable market shares on regional markets in Europe, including Ineo Systrans and Vix. Another group of vendors are focused on specific parts of complete ITS such as specialized hardware units or software applications.

    ”The public transport ITS market in Europe is favored by several concurrent developments, including UITP’s sought-after doubling of the public transport ridership, the EBSF EU project, and generally higher expectations among travelers,” said Rickard Andersson, telecom analyst, Berg Insight. “Increasingly sophisticated solutions for traffic management and passenger information are available which – if implemented correctly – eventually can put public transport on par with private transportation modes in terms of traveling times and flexibility.” Andersson adds that a noteworthy development is the increasing integration of smartphone-based solutions in public transport ITS, used for various traveler-centric applications as well as business performance overviews for operators, and most recently also as affordable tracking solutions enabling real-time passenger information (RTPI). “Travelers increasingly expect real-time information also from smaller operators with low propensity to invest in ITS,” concluded Andersson.