Falken Avionics, a prominent player in the experimental aviation industry, sought to expand their electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) by implementing an engine monitoring system (EMS). With no prior EMS in place, Falken turned to FusionDAQ to create a cutting-edge system. This article delves into how FusionDAQ utilized its custom engineering expertise to develop an original EMS, including electrical and mechanical design, along with embedded firmware development, for Falken Avionics.
Understanding the Challenge:
Falken Avionics’ premier product is the FlightView EFIS which is integrated into aircraft and is used to display critical parameters such as attitude, navigation, weather, and other information for pilots. An EFIS is an electronic display which takes the place of mechanical gauges and indicators.
Falken faced the challenge of not having an EMS to monitor engines’ vital parameters and ensure safe and efficient flights. Recognizing the importance of such a system, FusionDAQ’s engineering team embarked on a comprehensive analysis to create a tailored and innovative EMS solution.
Collaborative Planning:
FusionDAQ initiated a collaborative planning phase with Falken to fully understand their unique requirements, operational challenges, and long-term goals. The engineering team meticulously gathered insights from pilots, and aviation experts to ensure that the new EMS would meet Falken’s specific needs as well as meet the functional safety requirements inherent in all aircraft systems.
Electrical and Mechanical Design:
Leveraging their broad custom engineering expertise, FusionDAQ undertook the critical task of designing the electrical and mechanical components of the EMS. The team carefully crafted a system that could seamlessly integrate with Falken’s existing avionics infrastructure. This design process included the selection of sensors, communication interfaces, and other components to ensure reliable and accurate data acquisition.
Embedded Firmware Development:
The heart of the EMS lies in its embedded firmware, which controls data acquisition, processing, and communication. FusionDAQ developed robust and efficient firmware to handle real-time data processing. This firmware allowed the EMS to monitor crucial engine parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and fuel consumption, during flights and relay the data for analysis and monitoring.
Seamless Integration and Testing:
The successful integration of the EMS into FlightView was a pivotal aspect of the project. FusionDAQ’s engineering team conducted rigorous testing to ensure seamless integration and compatibility with Falken’s system. The team simulated various flight conditions and conducted extensive stress tests to validate the system’s reliability and accuracy.
Real-Time Data Visualization:
One of the most significant innovations brought by FusionDAQ was the real-time data visualization capabilities of the EMS. The new system allowed pilots to monitor crucial engine parameters instantly during flights, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.
Conclusion:
Falken and FusionDAQ forged a strong partnership which continues today. Building upon their achievements, the two companies embarked on developing the next-generation Flight Data Computer (FDC) together. The success of the EMS and the ongoing development of the FDC illustrate the immense potential of such engineering partnerships. With this shared vision, Falken Aviation and FusionDAQ.com are poised to make significant strides in enhancing aviation safety, efficiency, and performance for years to come.
