Page 32 - Volume 18 Number 1

EN ROUTE
OLuma Developing New Led Option For Beechjet 400A & XP’s
n October 10th, 2013, Luma Technologies rounded out its BeechJet offerings by
announcing the development of an LED Master Caution System for Beech/Hawker 400A and XP aircraft. Trading on its LumatechTM brand of LED replacement panels, made popular with the King Air family, the unit is intended as a one-for-one drop-in alternative to the existing incandescent system, with immediate plug-and-play functionality.
“Luma already provides similar systems on Nextant’s 400XTi and Hawker Beechcraft Services’ 400 XPR programs, so it only makes sense to offer the same improvements to the existing fleet” says Bruce Maxwell, Luma’s president. “The Nextant and HBS variants added a few more channels and different form factors, but the circuits are all the same. Given that fact and how many of the other units we already have in the air, it should be a pretty smooth path to certification (via STC). We’re already well along and are targeting to have it available in the March timeframe; May at the latest.”
The 400’s existing system utilizes analog logic and components while also incorporating twenty six square incandescent switchlights, used as
annunciators. Those familiar with the unit know each cap has four very small T-1 sized lamps (208 in total) that routinely fail and are difficult to wrestle out from the fragile cap assemblies. Designated the LT-4400, the LumatechTM Caution/Warning System is an all solid-state design including LEDs, drivers, system logic, power conditioning, and more. The unit requires one-fifth the power at half the weight of what’s on the aircraft today.
Maxwell says, “So, let’s see; you’ve
added a ten-fold increase in reliability
to a very critical cockpit system,
dramatically improved LED lighting
with dead-front sunlight-readable
displays, eliminated the need for re-
lamping and cap repairs, with ease of
warranty.What’snottolike?” T&T •
Visit them at www.lumatech.com
installation, all backed by a five year
KING AIR LANDING GEAR
• Complete Sets
• Individual Components
• Removal and Installation
601.936.3599 www.traceaviation.com
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Your Source for King Air Landing Gear
30 • TWIN & TURBINE
JANUARY 2014