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Airhart Avionics (.com) new full panel single unit

Not being all that computer savvy, I aways thought they should go the other way - have robust, "future proof" interface modules that will live on the airframe forever like a KX155, but have semi- disposable screens that can be swapped out as tech advances. Want a new screen? 4 screws and an ethernet cable and boom! Instant panel upgrade.
 
Sure looks cool - I hope they do a full IFR panel. This is similar to what the car guys are doing - very huge screens - I have to assume that their MTBFs are pretty good.
 
Sure looks cool - I hope they do a full IFR panel. This is similar to what the car guys are doing - very huge screens - I have to assume that their MTBFs are pretty good.
From their website, they are only planning for VFR but will include IFR in the future. The automotive stuff is pretty reliable, much more than the experimental stuff from my observation.
 
There is so much to go wrong here.
There's really only one thing to go wrong... The unit.

I mean, it looks to me like it's AI-generated, especially the port layout and naming on the back. Vern pointed out a spelling error. But why would Headset 3 and 4 connections be so far away from Headset 1 and 2? Assuming the entire thing has one large PCB inside, you'd probably have the entire audio panel in one section of it.

The concept alone, though, is compelling. As a VFR pilot, i'd be happy with something like this in my panel.
 
As someone that despises touchscreens in the cockpit, ew, no thanks. The automotive industry is already swinging back away from all encompassing touch screen interfaces because of consumer feedback and the obvious glaring safety issue of trying to operate a giant touchscreen while driving to change something as simple as HVAC controls. Imagine trying to update your baro setting on that thing while being knocked around in turbulence. For a fair weather VFR flyer, it's fine I guess. Depending on the price point it might even be compelling for that person.

EDIT: Ouch, just looked at the website, "starting" at $49,900! I honestly don't know who this is for. Who's dropping $50k on a VFR only panel???
 
Car companies are making millions of these flat panel displays every year and they passed far stringent reliability test than any comparable one off Dynon or Garmin. All the software have been developed to configure these display so it's just another step to modify them for aviation. They will hopefully replace the ancient airplane electrical to a more reliable automotive electronic while they are at it.
 
something as simple as HVAC controls. Imagine trying to update your baro setting on that thing while being knocked around in turbulence.
Depending on when they release the final product, they can incorporate AI voice command and automatic sync with ADSB metar.
 
Those complaining about the single screen as a weak point, how about the F-35 that only has one large touch screen and no back-up instruments?
Course, they have an expeditious way to get out of the aircraft if something major goes wrong.
 
Difference with that new single screen display is I doubt it comes with a HOTAS (hands-on throttle and stick), don't fighters like F-35 typically have one? That would eliminate the requirement for touch screen input to be the only interface.

I'm not completely anti-touch screen, but I very much prefer bezel keys and other physical multi-function buttons for the above mentioned turbulence and other reasons. Maybe the next new fancy touchscreen for EAB could include a stick/throttle button or bezel interface option?

Thanks for the original post, it's good to see what is on the table for future avionics.
 
I really wanted the 12-inch AFS screen to have the same design as the new 10-inch screens. This difference is bothering me, and I keep postponing my order every week...
 
There's really only one thing to go wrong... The unit.

I mean, it looks to me like it's AI-generated, especially the port layout and naming on the back. Vern pointed out a spelling error. But why would Headset 3 and 4 connections be so far away from Headset 1 and 2? Assuming the entire thing has one large PCB inside, you'd probably have the entire audio panel in one section of it.

The concept alone, though, is compelling. As a VFR pilot, i'd be happy with something like this in my panel.
VFR ONLY. Starting at $49,900! My entire all Garmin IFR glass panel didn’t cost that much. I can fly VFR with my iPad , Foreflight and sentry for a fraction of that.

As we are in experimental aircraft, I imagine at some point we’ll see home brewed avionics displayed on repurposed flat screens.


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Airhart Avionics - Refundable Deposit
$1,000.00
This fully refundable deposit secures your place in line to purchase Airhart Avionics, expected to ship 2027
 
Those complaining about the single screen as a weak point, how about the F-35 that only has one large touch screen and no back-up instruments?
Course, they have an expeditious way to get out of the aircraft if something major goes wrong.
Actually the F-35 screen has segregated display areas. It can operate “partial panel”. At least that is what I recall from discussions with the developers.
 
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