There's an Epic Cockpit in There, You Know

Honeywell is visibly pleased that its Primus Epic(R) integrated avionics system has received its first Federal Aviation Administration approval under a Type Certificate, issued Thursday for Gulfstream's G550 ultra-long-range business jet. [See separate story in Aero-News].

"Certification of the G550's integrated cockpit is the culmination of one of the largest design efforts ever undertaken in the field of avionics, and it marks the beginning of a new period in which pilots will use electronic displays and cursor control devices in place of traditional dials, knobs and switches," said John Todd, Director of Gulfstream Programs, Honeywell Business, Regional and General Aviation Avionics.

Gulfstream's PlaneView(TM) cockpit for the G550, based on Honeywell's Primus Epic integrated avionics system, drives four 10-by-13-inch liquid crystal displays in a point-and-click, windows-type environment.

"Primus Epic's architecture offers far more integration, more functions and a more intuitive human/machine interface than any previous system, resulting in greatly improved situational awareness and safety," said Todd.

The large landscape flat panels can present moveable navigation maps, weather, terrain, traffic, and real-time video along with the required horizon displays and aircraft operational information.

"The certification of the PlaneView cockpit and Primus Epic clearly places Gulfstream and Honeywell in the position of leading the industry in avionics and cockpit design," said Mike Mena, G550 Program Director, Gulfstream. Gulfstream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.

The first G550 customer, a large international corporation, will take delivery of its G550 in September.

Honeywell Suffused Throughout G550

Other Honeywell products on the G550 include the RE220 auxiliary power unit (APU), environmental control system, cabin pressurization control system with new thrust recovery outflow valve (TROV) and lighting.

The APU is a turbine engine that provides pressurized air and electrical power for starting the main engines and running aircraft accessories.

The TROV recovers wasted energy by re-using air released from the cabin outflow valve, which controls cabin pressurization. By directing this air into the free air stream, the system boosts takeoff performance, speed, fuel efficiency and range.

FMI: www.honeywell.com