Delta, working in conjunction with Astro-Med, has obtained an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the installation of the ToughWriter 4, Flight Deck Printer, intended as a retrofit for the Boeing 767 series aircraft, including the -200, -300 & -300F minor models.
The ToughWriter 4 Flight Deck Printer connects to both the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting Systems (ACARS) and Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) via the ARINC-429 and 10/100BaseT Ethernet ports. The printer offers speed up to 5 seconds per page (in a standard text mode), and 300 x 600 dot-per-inch resolution. Printing can include various items such as weather maps, approach plates, electronic charts and other graphical information. Ultimately, the ToughWriter 4 gives Boeing 767 pilots immediate physical access to critical ACARS messages.
Astro-Med VP, Tom Carll stated for Aero-News Network:
“The ToughWriter 4 Flight Deck Printer gives B767 operators the safety, convenience, and added capabilities that are associated with modern cockpit printers, including high resolution, graphical printing. This is the first of what we hope will be many Supplemental Type Certifications for the ToughWriter 4 Flight Deck Printer as older aircraft are retrofitted with glass displays, Electronic Flight Bags, and updated CNS/ATM systems.”
Astro-Med Director of Engineering, Mike Natalizia, added:
“The ToughWriter 4 replaces outdated, legacy Flight Deck Printers, saving airlines a significant amount of weight. For new printer installations, the ToughWriter 4 gives pilots the ability to print text messages as well as graphics, and replaces the heavy flight bags that they used to carry on the aircraft.”
For more information, or to discuss a similar project, contact us.
