Guy Norris/PHOENIX
Boeing and Honeywell are preparing to launch a flightdeck upgrade for "Classic" 747s which will improve reliability, give dual type rating with the -400, and provide easier compliance with communications, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management (CNS/ATM) requirements.
Prime candidate for the "glass cockpit" upgrade is US wet-lease cargo specialist Atlas Air, which is negotiating with Boeing Airplane Services (BAS) and Honeywell to convert up to thirty 747 Classic freighters. The airline operates 23 -200Fs, but is expected to acquire 13 shortly - several of which, possibly including -300s, may come from KLM. Atlas, which also operates twelve 747-400Fs, plans to retire six older 747-200Fs.
The Honeywell designed upgrade covers a range of options, most of which are based on a relatively simple replacement of the primary flight instruments with the company's 200 x 200mm flat panel displays. The flight engineer position will be retained.
Four displays will be used for primary flight and navigation display information, along with a global positioning system navigation system, inertial navigation system, a digital air data computer and other options. These include a Penny and Giles P2 engine and crew alerting system and a Smith integrated standby flight display. For the Atlas programme, it is believed the airline has selected a BAE Systems Canada flight management computer.
According to Honeywell, the conversion remains affordable because it produces big cost savings in maintenance and operations. Honeywell hopes to "be able to reach an agreement in the next couple of months" on the BAS-led Atlas conversion. Other operators thought to be interested include Saudia and Japan Air Lines.
• Honeywell has established a new business unit called Avient Technologies to oversee its initiative aimed at providing "gate-to-gate" support for airlines to help reduce the impact of delayed or cancelled flights.
The manufacturer is working with America West and other carriers to establish beta sites to prove the basic system. America West already uses Honeywell's Airline Maintenance and Operations Support System, considered a major building block of Avient. Honeywell estimates that delays and cancellations cost airlines $3 billion per year, expects to define the Avient concept over the next three months.
Source: Flight International
