Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&amp;P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Astronics has designed a new Dual Frequency Converter Unit (DFCU) that provides a simple solution for outfitting business jets and large VIP jets with power outlets that can handle almost any type of electrical device. The new DFCU delivers 4,000 watts of 115 or 230 volt AC to passenger power outlets.

 


Part of the Astronics Empower line of business jet electrical products, the DFCU is equipped with solid-state electronic circuit breaker (ECB) technology. This enables “programmable ECB outputs that can be custom configured to each cabin, eliminating the need for a secondary distribution panel and saving both cost and weight,” according to Astronics (Booth N1721).

 


Another advantage offered by the Astronics DFCU is that it provides higher power output for running galley and lavatory appliances and equipment, including such items as hair dryers, shavers, microwave ovens, mixers, etc.

 


Power output of the DFCU outlets is either 115 VAC at 60 Hz or 230 VAC at 50 Hz. The unit offers up to 10 programmable ECB outputs, configurable at 115 VAC with seven outputs at 15 amps and three at 10 amps or at 230 VAC with 10 outputs at 10 amps. The DFCU can report faults and status via Arinc 429 and RS-485 buses. LRU weight including a 1ATR short mounting tray is 29.2 pounds.

 


Safety features include remote on/off switch, overcurrent and overvoltage protection circuits, load-shedding including a programmable priority scheme to prevent overloading and an intelligent thermal-management system. The DFCU meets RTCA DO-160G standards.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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