Honeywell has started pilot demonstrations of the control-display system (CDS) designed for its recently launched Primus Epic next-generation integrated avionics.
The CDS incorporates large flat-panel liquid-crystal displays developed in co-operation with Mitsubishi Electric, as well as a cursor-control device (CCD). The Primus Epic has been selected by Raytheon Aircraft for the Hawker Horizon, and will be demonstrated to corporate pilots at the NBAA show on Honeywell's Cessna Citation V testbed.
As well as enabling Honeywell to get aircrew feedback on the CDS, the Citation configuration is being used to test applications of the Primus Epic for retrofit. "The strategy is to keep the Primus 1000, Primus 2000 and SPZ-8500 up to date," says next-generation-systems manager Larry Clark.
"We want to provide a total systems approach, to upgrade the cockpit while minimising development costs, meeting new regulations and enhancing situational awareness. We will upgrade from CRT [cathode-ray tube] to flat panels, use the CCD to reduce the need for more cockpit computers and will add a modular avionics unit to host new functions such as databases and video," he adds.
Part of the pilot feedback effort is aimed at the CCD design. Honeywell has narrowed its search to two types: a joystick with buttons and a knob, and a touchpad with similar buttons and knobs. The latter is displayed on the NBAA aircraft. Other Epic features facing more uncertainty until development issues are resolved include the pilot's personal assistant, a portable lap-top computer for the cockpit, a voice-command system and a graphical user interface.
"We are starting to build hardware and we want to have flexibility to encourage other companies to join us to build hardware and software modules and put them in the aircraft," Clark says.
Areas for possible involvement include utilities such as hydraulics and fuel, he says.
Clark adds that"-we also have agreements with AlliedSignal for systems such as enhanced ground-proximity warning to be part of Epic".
Source: Flight International
