Vertical Power introduced its new VP-X Pro and VP-X Sport products this summer, which use Electronic Circuit Breakers to simplify wiring and provide advanced electrical system capabilities. Avionics, lights, trim, and flaps are all powered with the VP-X, eliminating older mechanical circuit breakers, relays, and numerous individual control boxes, according to company officials.
The VP-X integrates with Advanced Flight Systems, GRT Avionics, and MGL Avionics EFIS products, allowing pilots to monitor the status of individual devices and the entire electrical system right from the EFIS, company officials add.
The VP-X Pro includes Vertical Power’s new DualBuss technology that has two independent power busses in a single system, delivering redundancy. Builders can now divide avionics and other electrical loads between two power busses, and should one bus controller fail the other bus will continue to operate independently and be able to provide power to the starter contactor. Each bus controller is powered by an independent power supply and microprocessor.
The VP-X Pro has more than 30 power circuits to handle most two and four seat experimental aircraft. The VP-X Sport has just over 20 power circuits, designed for Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) and smaller homebuilt aircraft.
The VP-X replaces 80-year-old thermal breaker technology with modern solid-state Electronic Circuit Breakers, which can detect short circuits, over-current conditions, and open-circuit faults. ECBs are intelligent, configurable, and offer capabilities not otherwise available with old-style breakers, according to company officials. For example, ECBs can detect a burned out landing light or disable the starter circuit while the engine is running.
The VP-X Pro retails for $1,800, the VP-X Sport for $1,200, and will begin shipping in November. A complete wiring harness, including over 600 feet of wire and connectors, is also available. For more information: VerticalPower.com
