FreeFlight Systems has introduced the Flight Data Management System, which includes a data recorder-like Memory Management System (MMS) and Hardened Memory Unit.
The FreeFlight Systems Memory Management System (MMS) is a programmable unit that can record, store and transfer vital aircraft information provided by the pilot, or other aircraft systems (such as on-board cameras, and third party systems). The unit can also be used as an onboard network attached storage (NAS) system. The MMS, which can be fitted into a standard radio stack or installed elsewhere in an aircraft, comes with a pilot-removable primary memory module with up to 128GB capacity, a secondary memory module (mini SD card) with up to 2GB capacity, and an 8GB USB thumb drive. The system allows for easy transfer of the recorded information to and from other aircraft systems using gigabit Ethernet and/or USB 2.0 interfaces. The primary and secondary memory modules, as well as the thumb drive, are fully compatible with standard PC systems.
The FreeFlight Systems Hardened Memory Units (HMU) have been designed to store and protect vital flight information for use in flight data analysis and, if necessary, flight information recovery. FreeFlight Systems offers the HMU with 2GB capacity and the HMU-E with 8GB capacity. Both models use a standard USB 2.0 interface and are fully compatible with FreeFlight Systems’ MMS and other equipment using the USB interface.
The HMUs use flash memory, which is surrounded by a multi-tiered protection system including specially coated electronics, high-temp phase change material, ceramic fiber insulation and a cryo-tempered stainless steel housing. Together, this system provides protection against crash, petro-chemical fires (1100 C for 1 hour) and shrapnel/small arms fire. FreeFlight Systems also offers a military grade version with additional ballistics protection.
“The NTSB is requesting better safety systems for helicopters flying under certain operations such as HEMS, and specifically identified the need for crash survivable memory systems,” says Tim Taylor, FreeFlight Systems’ president and CEO. “To my knowledge, we are the only cost effective solution for truly crash survivable memory.”
The weight of the MMS is 3.22 lbs, lists for $9,212, and is expected to be available by the end of this month. The system will have PMA and completed DO-160 hardware testing. The weight of the HMU and HMU-E is 1.68 and 2.88 lbs., and list for $2,911 and $5,663 respectively. They will also be available by the end of May.
For more information: FreeFlightSystems.com.
