Hilton Software brought its latest version of the WingX moving-map app to EAA AirVenture 2017 to demonstrate what’s coming next in version 9. The new version will be ready for download soon, and it will feature a new data-driven 3-D moving map, approach charts overlaid on the map, improved rendering, animated weather graphics and more.
Along with the new version, Hilton Software is changing the app’s name from WingX Pro7 to just WingX, followed by the version number.
Earlier this year, Hilton Software was awarded a prime contract by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) “to provide multi-platform world-wide mobile aeronautical solutions.” According to the company, the “anticipated period of performance” for the contract is five years, and total value is $17 million. Basically the NGA provides AeroApp software for defense users worldwide and on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android and Windows.
At AirVenture, Hilton Software also announced a new VFR Free version, which includes most WingX features except for IFR low and high en route charts, approach charts, Internet weather, synthetic vision and “some other IFR-related functionality.” Any pilot can download the free version, and it was expected to be available before the end of July. No signup is needed, although users will have to pay a 99-cent fee because app stores don’t have a free pricing option for subscriptions, according to Hilton Software. The company plans to send proceeds from VFR subscriptions to a children’s charity.
WingX runs on iOS, Android and Amazon Fire mobile devices, and there is no extra charge for users to run an Android and iOS version on two different devices. The latest Android version also has the new data-driven map, and it now offers SD card support.