Advent Aircraft Systems recently announced that through collaboration with Beechcraft they’ve received FAA approval of its GPS/digital anti-skid braking system for installation on Beechcraft King Air B300 series aircraft. Advent notes this is the first time a practical anti-skid system has been available for the King Air platform. The STC is for Beechcraft King Air B300 series aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins Pro Line GPS 4000S or Garmin G1000/430W/530W avionics.
The Advent eABS may be ordered through all Textron Aviation company-owned service centers as well as selected independent authorized King Air service facilities (www.aircraftsystems.aero/dealers.php). In anticipation of the STC and winter weather, Advent has eABS units that are available for immediate shipment to service centers.
“We are well positioned to support the initial demand for this exciting product and look forward to assisting with customer inquiries and orders,” said Tom Grunbeck, Advent VP of Marketing and Sales.
Advent notes the system is lightweight, low-cost and easily-installed; as well as being designed especially for turbine powered aircraft up to 20,000 lb. MTOW. The system requires no change to existing braking system components. Installation requires minimal downtime, either as a stand-alone installation or during scheduled maintenance. The eABS was first certified on the Eclipse EA500/550 in December 2013, with over 110 ship sets delivered to Eclipse Aerospace to date.
The Advent eABS adds better runway performance and dispatch reliability for King Air operators by providing better directional control, reduced tire wear and shortened stopping distances on dry runways or those contaminated with water, ice and snow. Advent also says the system will eliminate flat-spotted and blown tires during aggressive stopping and includes touchdown protection and a programmable low-speed cut-off.
To complete certification, a new King Air 350i and flight test support were provided by Beechcraft under a collaborative agreement with Advent. During functional testing typical of day to day operations, Beechcraft test pilots reported enhanced responsiveness and directional control in landing and accelerate/stop tests on both dry and wet runways with the eABS-equipped King Air 350i, to include a heavy weight landing on a dry runway that resulted in a reduction of about 400 feet in landing distance.
“We have had a tremendous level of interest from operators and service centers in getting our eABS onto the King Air family of aircraft and the completion of FAA certification now enables us to address that interest.” said Ron Roberts, president of Advent Aircraft Systems. “In addition to the B300 series, we intend to pursue approval for the King Air B200 series in the near future, giving even greater numbers of King Air owners the benefit of anti-skid braking.”
In addition to the B200 series, eABS certifications are in work for the Pilatus PC-12/12NG and Beechcraft Model 3000 (T-6B/C). Variations of the Advent eABS have also been selected for two foreign military trainers in development.
About Advent Aircraft Systems
Advent Aircraft Systems designs, analyzes, manufactures, tests, certifies and supports proprietary components and systems for air vehicles. The company capabilities include hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical, environmental control, aircraft sensor, water and oxygen components and systems.