MICROFIS is a complete Flight Inspection System contained in a carry-on package. It is available as a fully Automatic Flight Inspection System using DGPS or as a semi-automatic system using a digital Theodolite. The system meets ICAO and FAA requirements.


Portability

MICROFIS can be carried on and off an aircraft like a piece of luggage. With the system removed, the aircraft can generate revenue performing other operations. MICROFIS can be installed in an equipment rack or strapped into the cargo area. Two units can be operated together when dual receiver information is required. If one system fails, the second system still provides 100% inspection capability. In the Dual System configuration, two different VOR radials can be inspected simultaneously. MICROFIS Receiver/Computer Units are stand-alone units that can be configured to suite specific customer requirements.

MICROFIS has been developed for those Flight Inspection organizations who do not want a fixed console system or do not need a full-time inspection aircraft.

 
MICROFIS FAQ


Operational Features

During the inspection of en-route navaids, the aircraft position is determined by the GPS receiver. For ILS approaches, aircraft position is determined using either Differential GPS or data from the Digital Theodolite.

Ground Equipment

When inspecting ILS facilities, the Ground Reference Unit provides the appropriate position reference information to the aircraft. In RTT mode, the unit transmits raw theodolite data to the aircraft. In DGPS mode, the unit transmits differential corrections data to the aircraft.

Display/Keyboard Unit

The system operator controls the system through a portable Display/Keyboard Unit that can be easily removed from the aircraft after the inspection mission. This computer unit operates under a standard Windows™ operating system.

Facility Inspection Data can be transferred to the Ground Support System at any time allowing the data to be further analyzed and archived. During operation, the flight Inspector can select and display any of the following:

  • all necessary facility data and computed results data
  • graphical data plots
  • aircraft position and velocity
  • range and bearing to the selected facility
  • tolerances and alarms
  • previous inspection results for any facility
  • receiver data and tuning
  • receiver calibration data and compensation

Printer

The MICROFIS System includes a printer for hard copy printouts. The printer accepts single sheet standard format paper.

MICROFIS Equipment

The MICROFIS uses the best available navaid receivers, some of which are specially modified for Flight Inspection.

  • Honeywell RNA-34BF VOR/ILS receiver
  • Collins DME-442
  • Collins 51Z-4 Marker
  • Laptop Computer with large LCD display
  • Ashtech (Thales) Z Sensor GPS
  • Printer
The following aircraft equipment provides data to the MICROFIS:
  • Collins AD-462
  • Collins VHF-442 Communications transceiver
All Flight Inspection System units are contained in a rugged case that can be located anywhere inside the aircraft pressure hull.


MICROFIS FAQ
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS SYSTEM?
  • It can be carried on and off an aircraft like a piece of luggage. With the system removed, the aircraft can generate revenue performing other operations.
  • It can be strapped into an aircraft seat or in a stowage area inside the aircraft.
  • Two units can be operated together when dual receiver information is required.
  • If one system fails, second system still provides 100% inspection capability.
  • Two different VOR radials can be inspected simultaneously in this dual configuration.
  • It is designed as a stand-alone unit. Other units for TACAN or second receivers can be added or used by themselves.
  • It costs about 30% of other systems.
  • As an option, the Flight Inspector can also operate the theodolite, saving the cost of one operator.
WHO SHOULD USE THIS SYSTEM?
It has been specially developed for those Flight Inspection departments who:
  • do not want to pay the large cost of a fixed console system,
  • or, do not need a full-time inspection aircraft,
  • or, already have one aircraft but have more work than one aircraft can do,
  • or, have a very small aircraft.
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WHAT DOES THE SYSTEM LOOK LIKE?

The main component is the Receiver Computer Unit with the receivers, computer and datalink inside. The inspector can sit anywhere in the aircraft and can control the system using the Display Keyboard Unit. All inspection results and graphs are shown on his colour display.

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HOW IS AIRCRAFT POSITION MEASURED?
During the inspection of en-route navaids, the aircraft position is measured by the GPS receiver.
For ILS approaches, aircraft position is measured either using Differential GPS or the digital theodolite.

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WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE DISPLAY PROVIDE?
  • all necessary navaid data and computer calculated data,
  • graphical data plots,
  • aircraft position and velocity, range, and bearing to the navaid,
  • Windows 95(tm) colour display with pull-down menus,
  • tolerances and alarms,
  • previous inspection results,
  • receiver data and tuning
  • receiver calibration and compensation

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CAN THE INFORMATION BE PRINTED?
All inspection data, including graphs, are shown on the display and stored on disc. A portable printer prints results in the aircraft.
Reports and analogue signal plots can be printed later on the Ground Support System using data stored on disc.

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WHAT IS THE GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEM?
The Ground Support System consists of a computer station, a high-quality colour printer, and an analogue printer/plotter.
It provides Final Reports, it stores all the inspection information for the Department, and can be used to analyze results in more detail in the quietness of an office.

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WHAT EQUIPMENT IS IN THE MICROFIS
a) Equipment in the aircraft:-
  • VOR/ILS receiver
  • Marker receiver
  • DME receiver
  • Computer/Interface Unit
  • laptop computer/display/keyboard
  • UHF datalink
  • GPS receiver
b) Equipment on the ground:-
  • Differential GPS receiver or Digital theodolite
  • UHF datalink

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WHAT ABOUT ADF, COMM RECEIVERS?
Data is normally taken from the aircraft receivers, but these receivers can be added to the system.

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HOW BIG IS THE SYSTEM?
Receiver Computer Unit
size 45cm x 50cm x 26cm
weight 35 kg

Ground Case
size 30cm x 30cm x 25cm
weight 10 kg (plus the theodolite and tripod)


Sizes and weights are approximate.
Specifications may change without notice.

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small package
MICROFIS is small and easy to carry.

MICROFIS in a B200
MICROFIS in a B200.

MICROFIS in a Piper Seminole
MICROFIS in a Piper Seminole.

Operator
The operator can use the MICROFIS from anywhere in the plane.

Microfis
Dual MICROFIS systems in a Citation II.

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