L-3 Avionics Systems announced today the selection of the Trilogy™ ESI-1000 Electronic Standby Instrument as standard equipment on the Pilatus PC-12 NG single-engine turboprop. The Trilogy ESI was developed with L-3 Avionics Systems' advanced solid-state expertise, which has made the company a leader in electronic standby instrument systems for high-end aircraft. Shipments of the Trilogy systems will begin in the fourth quarter of 2010 in support of aircraft production.

The Pilatus PC-12 is one of the most popular turbine-powered business aircraft on the market today. In operation around the globe, the PC-12 NG has become a multi-role platform used for executive transport, cargo, air ambulance, airline and government special-mission applications.

"Trilogy is a perfect match for the PC-12's next-generation avionics package. This is precisely the type of setup Trilogy is designed to support," said Larry Riddle, vice president of business development for L-3 Avionics Systems. "We are proud to contribute to such a remarkable aircraft, and we are confident Trilogy will help the PC-12 NG live up to its reputation for outstanding versatility, performance and reliability."

The Trilogy ESI-1000 is a digital standby instrument developed to Design Assurance Level A, the highest safety standard acknowledged by the FAA. The ESI-1000 was designed to complement today's all-glass avionics packages. Trilogy is clearly visible with a 3.7-inch Active Matrix LCD display and conveniently fits into a standard 3-ATI mounting cutout. An ambient light sensor is integrated for automatic brightness control on both the screen and keyboard. By presenting attitude, altitude, airspeed and optional heading data in a layout that matches the primary displays, the Trilogy ESI eliminates the adjustment to traditional analog standbys in an emergency and enhances consistency across the panel. Once installed, the unit is aligned and ready for flight in less than three minutes.

Designed to enhance overall safety, the Trilogy ESI operates independently of other systems. Its integrated air data computer, solid-state attitude sensor, optional external magnetometer and Level A design assurance add redundancy and isolate the instrument from outside system failures.