Headset manufacturer Lightspeed yesterday introduced the new Delta Zulu headset to their product range.
The Delta Zulu is made almost entirely of stainless steel and magnesium and features a built-in carbon monoxide (CO) detector, a rechargeable battery option and a function to tailor the hearing profile to the individual user.
Weighing in at 0.422 kg and sporting a stylish new design, the Delta Zulu takes over from the Zulu 3 as Lightspeed's flagship active noise reduction (ANR) headset.
Among the features that Lightspeed says will enhance safety is the proprietary Kanari Smart Alert Technology, which gathers data via a sensor within the headset, processes the information and issues audible alerts based on cautionary and critical thresholds.
Delta Zulu provides automatic CO detection and warnings at cautionary and critical levels directly from the headset without having to go through an app on a phone or tablet. If run through an app, cockpit CO levels can be constantly monitored even when they are not critical.
Lightspeed's HearingEQity technology built-into the Delta Zulu records data from a 12-frequency hearing test completed by the wearer, then adjusts the levels to account for hearing loss. This optimises every inbound call to the individual profile.
Another new innovation is a detachable battery pack. The Delta Zulu computer processing unit (CPU) runs on either two AA batteries or a lithium-ion rechargable. The battery pack can be removed from the back of the CPU and swapped with another pack containing the other battery source. This means if the rechargeable runs low, the user can switch to AA batteries quickly.
The Delta Zulu comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that gives the user around 30 hours of use, with the. quick-release AA battery pack delivering 15-20 hours of use. The CPU has a Universal Accessory Connector (UAC) for charging and data connections, and a USB-A to UAC cable comes standard.
If the wearer chooses to use the Lightspeed app (the Delta Zulu will still run without it) they can record radio conversations, play back transmissions and archive flight recordings for post-flight briefing and training.
Lightspeed has set pricing for the Delta Zulu at $US1099.
More information is available on the Lightspeed website.