VICS Voice Information Computer System

Product Overview:

The Voice Information Computer System (VICS) is an innovative and cost-effective safety enhancement for experimental fixed-wing aircraft. This compact module provides real-time voice alerts and warnings to assist pilots with key flight parameters, reducing workload and enhancing situational awareness. By monitoring excessive bank angles, pitch, airspeed, and altitude deviations, VICS offers an additional layer of protection, particularly during critical flight phases such as emergency glide or landing approaches.

Key Features:

• Bank Angle Alerts: Warns the pilot when bank angles exceed 45 degrees.
• Pitch Warnings: Notifies the pilot if the aircraft’s pitch is too high or too low.
• Speed Alerts: Advises when airspeed deviates from preset targets or exceeds best glide speed during emergencies.
• Altitude Deviations: Provides warnings when altitude strays from pre-configured values.
• Precise Altitude Measurement: Optionally integrates with a LiDAR sensor for precise altitude readings, especially useful during final landing approaches.
• Emergency Glide Mode: Assists the pilot in maintaining the best glide speed during an emergency.
• Customizable Audio Alerts: Warnings can be delivered in either male or female voice.
• Versatile Audio Outputs: Connects to the aircraft’s audio panel or directly to the pilot’s headset via a dedicated 3.5mm audio output.

In-Flight Features:

✔️ Comprehensive Voice Alerts: Provides real-time audio warnings and notifications about key flight parameters such as altitude, airspeed, and bank angles.
✔️ EFIS Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with MiniUni 2, MiniUni 3, xPlane Mini, and xPlane EFIS systems for enhanced functionality.
✔️ Altitude and Speed Director Modes: Alerts the pilot when altitude or airspeed is too high or too low, with real-time readouts of current values.
✔️ Emergency Glide Mode: In an emergency, the system directs the pilot to maintain the optimal glide speed (supported by select EFIS models).
✔️ External Trigger Inputs: Includes three configurable inputs to warn of open doors, canopy, landing gear position, or other critical events.
✔️ LiDAR-Enhanced Landing: When equipped with a LiDAR altimeter, VICS provides precise altitude measurements during landing from 100 feet down to the runway, with a tolerance of up to 1/10 of a foot.
✔️ Custom Audio: Choose between male or female voice warnings based on preference.

Enhanced Safety and Reduced Pilot Overload:

VICS significantly reduces pilot workload by delivering timely voice alerts, helping pilots focus on safe and efficient flight management. It alleviates the risk of pilot overload, which is common in high-stress situations such as flying through busy airspace or unfamiliar terrain. By offering warnings for pitch, bank angles, speed, and altitude, VICS acts as an extra set of eyes and ears, ensuring that critical flight data is always front-of-mind.

With the LiDAR option, the system delivers precise altitude information during the final landing phase, ensuring smoother and safer landings even in low-visibility conditions. This feature provides an exceptional level of control, allowing pilots to execute smooth touchdowns by accurately tracking altitude all the way to the runway.

Specifications:

• Input Voltage: +10V to +28V DC
• Unit Size: 115mm x 70mm x 27mm
• Weight: 65g
• Altitude Range: -1000ft to +32,000ft
• Vertical Speed Range: 10,000ft per minute up or down
• SD Card Support: 4GB FAT (up to 16GB)
• LiDAR Distance Sensor: Supports up to 40m (120ft)
• Audio Output: 3.5mm jack for direct headset or audio panel connection

Manufacturer: 360 Avionics Corp.
Made in Canada
For use in experimental (homebuilt) airplanes only.

Why Pilots Choose VICS:

The VICS system provides audible alerts that help reduce pilot stress, improve situational awareness, and ensure safer operations during flight. By addressing critical flight parameters and offering real-time guidance, it minimizes the risks associated with pilot overload, particularly during cross-country flights, complex airspaces, or unfamiliar terrain. Additionally, its ability to announce altitude with pinpoint accuracy during final approach significantly enhances landing precision, even in challenging conditions.

Important Note:

While VICS offers advisory information, it is the pilot's responsibility to assess the situation and make decisions accordingly. All electronic systems are subject to potential errors, and the pilot should always cross-reference information from multiple sources before making decisions.