So Cool... A Twin Otter With Bizjet Glass!

Responding to customer feedback and current market demand, all new Viking Twin Otter Series 400 airplanes will be furnished with an integrated suite of avionics from Honeywell, according to Viking Air. Official signing of the agreement took place May 6.

"Our customers told us they wanted a more complete airplane," said David Curtis, Viking president and CEO. "They wanted their new 400 Series aircraft delivered with a full-IFR suite of rugged, dependable "upgradeable" avionics, and after a careful and thorough review, we have selected Honeywell as the provider, with its Apex Integrated Avionics package."

The Apex platform offers Viking’s customers an avionics package that integrates aircraft systems, safety sensors and navigation information, decreases pilot workload and improves safety through enhanced situational awareness. Flexible system architecture allows easy integration of hardware and software as new technology becomes available in today's ever-changing airspace environment.

"The full functionality of our Apex system will make flying the new Twin Otter Series 400 safer while reducing pilot workload," said John Todd, vice president, Honeywell Business and General Aviation. "The Series 400 is designed to see service in every climate on every continent, and Primus Apex offers the most advanced autoflight, navigation and situation awareness capabilities for this class of aircraft. Our digital technology, ultra-high resolution displays, and fully automated controls assure the pilot easier flight deck operation and improved aircraft safety."

Primus Apex is a flight deck that is easy-to-use, enhancing the pilot's ability to fly. Two primary flight displays (PFDs) and two multifunction displays (MFDs) feature clear, high resolution Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays (AMLCDs) and wide viewing capability allowing for cross-cockpit scanning.

Honeywell's Primus Apex has also been selected by Grob for its upcoming spn aircraft, and by Pilatus for the recently-introduced PC-12 NG.

Viking launched the all new DHC-6 Series 400 Twin Otter last year, with over 40 orders to date and deliveries to begin in 2009. Viking also provides OEM support for the worldwide fleet of de Havilland heritage line of aircraft (DHC-1 through DHC-7). Viking is part of Westerkirk Capital Inc., a Canadian private investment firm with substantial holdings in the hospitality, aviation and real estate sectors.

FMI: www.vikingair.com