Textron Aviation selects Universal Avionics KAPTURE flight recorders

TUCSON, Ariz. - Textron Aviation in Wichita, Kan. needed cockpit voice (CPV) and flight data recorders (FDR) for its Cessna Citation jets. They found their solution from Universal Avionics (UA), an Elbit Systems company in Tucson, Ariz. The KAPTURE recorders will be installed on Cessna aircraft, including, Longitude, Latitude, Ascend, and CJ4 Gen 2 models.

Universal Avionics' KAPTURE line of Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders (CVR/FDR) is equipped with a lithium-free 90-day Underwater Locator Beacon (ULB), and the CVR and CVFDR models come with a patented internal Recorder Independent Power Supply (RIPS).

The sixth generation of these recorders incorporates all the features of the company's previous CVR/FDR products but with reduced weight and enhanced capabilities. Notably, the CVR and CVFDR models offer over 25 hours of cockpit voice and ambient audio recording, meeting EASA's requirement for aircraft with a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 59,500 lbs. or more, issued with a Certificate of Airworthiness (CofA) on or after January 1, 2021. "Recorded playback is proven to be clear and audible," the company states.

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The CVR and CVFDR models also provide over 25 hours of non-audio recording, including UTC, rotor speed, and data link messaging. The FDR model offers over 90 hours of ARINC 717 data recording and at least 25 hours of ARINC 429 data recording, facilitating expanded integration capabilities.

A new Flight Archive Ground Maintenance Tool allows for faster downloads and field-loadable software updates, enhancing operational efficiency. Improved download speeds from the CVR/FDR eliminate the need for a Quick Access Recorder (QAR), offering operators significant savings in time and maintenance costs.

"This contract showcases the trust aircraft owners and manufacturers place in KAPTURE to meet evolving regulatory requirements and enhance data collection," said Dror Yahav, Chief Executive Officer at Universal Avionics. "The KAPTURE system's compliance with the latest mandates combined with its robust features and data analysis capabilities make it a compelling choice for discerning operators."