Rockwell Collins has launched its Pro Line 21 integrated avionics on to the retrofit market to meet demand from existing business aircraft operators seeking to exploit the latest advances in technology.
Pro Line 21 Continuum is aimed at requirements ranging from sub-system upgrades to major flightdeck retrofits. Installation will provide operators ofin-service aircraft with access to capabilities under development for Pro Line 21-equipped new aircraft. These include datalinking, graphical weather and three-dimensional flight planning, as well as future functionality such as electronic charting, terrain awareness, head-up guidance and four-dimensional flight management.
Collins is entering an upgrade market already occupied by Honeywell with its Primus Epic Control Display System/Retrofit (CDS/R) and Universal Avionics with its System One.
The company is targeting Pro Line 21 Continuum at different levels of retrofit, ranging from sub-system to flightdeck upgrades: it will also be offered to upgrade Collins' previous generation Pro Line 4 avionics.
Collins is expanding its retrofit offering by forming alliances with other manufacturers. Avidyne will supply its FlightMax 850 as a multi-function display for turboprops and entry-level jets. BFGoodrich Avionics Systems will provide flat-panel standby instruments as well as its Stormscope lightning detection and Landmark terrain awareness warning systems.
Demand for upgrades is being driven by changes in airspace regulations which could disadvantage operators lacking the latest avionics technology, Collins says. Examples include required navigation performance and required time of arrival.
Collins is releasing packages for safety, weather, display and other upgrades to modification centres which will certificate the retrofits. Duncan Aviation, for example, has completed a Gulfstream III flight display retrofit and is now working on the GII.
Honeywell's Primus Epic CDS/R has been installed in the GIII by DaimlerChrysler Aviation and in the GII and III by Garrett Aviation Services. The flat-panel display retrofit has also been performed on a Cessna Citation V and Lockheed L-100 Hercules.
Source: Flight International
