One for the Avionics engineers?

[andyb79]

I'm trying to find the first aircraft that employed the ARINC-429 data bus and, if possible, what year it was introduced.

Been looking for a while and whilst i can find all sorts of info i cant find anything specific about its introduction.

Any help appreciated

Andy

[Bolty McBolt]

I would hazard a guess.
The 767/757 developed in the early 80s are ARINC 429 -32 bit word technology and was probably the first but I couldn't confirm it

[Wodrick]

My initial thought was 75/767 but if I recall correctly, and I accept that I may not, the A300/A310 had some use of 429. They, of course, date from 1972/1978

[vapilot2004]

ARINC 429 has been installed on most commercial transport aircraft including; Airbus A310/A320 and A330/A340; Bell Helicopters; Boeing 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767; and McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Boeing is installing a newer system specified as ARINC 629 on the 777

Looks like the Boeing 727 or 37 would be the first aircraft to use the protocol.

Perhaps A310 series would be the first widebody, then ?

[andyb79]

Cheers guys. I actually found that reference to the 727 earlier but damned if i can find a year it was introduced, ah well, guess mid 70's will be accurate enough

[Wodrick]

Also saw that quote, have my doubts about original 72/737s. Having worked both dont recall 429 on 727-100 or 737-200. Possibly on a very late 727-200 with INS etc.
727-100 EIS 1964
737-200 EIS 1968
737 3/4/5 EIS 1984 - certainly 429 use.
As usual could be having a memory lapse !
HTH

[vapilot2004]

I agree Wodrick - surely the 429 standard must have been put in the 27s with the old Carousel (or Litton?) INS units. Nothing in the moldy oldies I can think of with an external data bus.......Maybe the A310 was the first here.

A wrencher or sparky boy from the seventies is what we need.

[Wodrick]

I guess I qualify, I started in 1972 !
A310 was the first course I was Instructed on Arinc 429, later courses assumed knowledge.
As may be guessed my money is on the A310.

edit for spelling and spaces