Early Step Towards STC For Three-Display Flight Deck

Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) said in a news release Monday that its Rockwell Collins Integrated Display System (IDS) flight deck upgrade for the Beechcraft 1900D has completed its first flight. This upgrade removes the factory installed Pro Line II EFIS 84 system, as well as other analog instrumentation, and replaces it with the fully integrated three-display Pro Line 21 IDS. The flight is one of the first steps in completing the Supplemental Type Certificate for 1900D operators, providing increased functionality and capability while reducing maintenance costs and decreasing weight.

"As the Pro Line II system becomes obsolete, 1900D operators and their maintenance crews are facing the challenge of locating a viable retrofit solution for the aircraft," said Christi Tannahill, Hawker Beechcraft vice president, GCS. "In most cases, there are few, if any, alternative aircraft platforms that provide the capabilities of the 1900D in environments in which these operators fly. The Pro Line 21 IDS retrofit system was designed to provide a solution for these operators."

The Pro Line 21 IDS enhances situational awareness at every phase of flight, and for the 1900D, utilizes three large 10 x 8-inch liquid crystal displays. The Primary Flight Display combines attitude, altitude, air speed and heading references with an easy-to-read graphical interface. Its multifunction display enables pilots to quickly reference information in order to facilitate strategic decision making. The system incorporates the industry-leading functionality and reliability of Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, enabling customers to benefit from continuous technological advances to the Pro Line 21 system. With Pro Line 21 IDS, operators can add functionality as their needs evolve.

In addition to the reliability and weight-saving benefits associated with this modern equipment, operating costs are further reduced by including a two-year Rockwell Collins warranty. Known as the Corporate Aircraft Service Program (CASP), the warranty covers all existing Rockwell Collins equipment remaining in the aircraft. With the CASP warranty, IDS-upgraded aircraft will incur virtually zero avionics operating costs during the first two years after installation. Potential savings are estimated at $25,000 to $30,000 for corporate aircraft while commuter aircraft may recognize $100,000 per aircraft.

The flexibility of IDS enables it to interface with either Garmin's GNS 400W or Universal's UNS1- LW WAAS/LPV-compliant flight management systems. Other 1900D interface options include: APS-65 autopilot and third party TCAS, TAWS and lightning detection systems.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com