Honeywell is now accepting dealer orders for the much-anticipated Bendix/King Apex Edge Series, a new line of IFR-certified avionics for general aviation aircraft.
New features include unique graphical flight planning functionality, cursor control, Honeywell INAV technology and other aspects of the Primus Apex Integrated Flight Deck.
The first two units in the new Apex Edge Series are the KSN 770 Integrated Navigation and Communication Multi-Function Display, with a MSRP of $13,995, and the KFD 840 Primary Flight Display, with a MSRP $16,995. Honeywell will begin taking orders this week on the KFD 840, for end-of-year deliveries. Orders for the KSN 770 will start in October, with deliveries in the first quarter of 2009.
The KSN 770 offers the latest in digital navigation and communication radio technology, a full wide area augmentation system (WAAS) GPS navigator, a 5.7-inch VGA display, interface with external safety sensors, including traffic and datalink weather, and a field-upgradeable hardware architecture.
The KFD 840 provides primary flight information on a large 8.4-inch diagonal high-resolution display, offering pilots at-a-glance situational awareness. The unit integrates an advanced air data attitude heading and reference system (ADAHRS) designed to operate without GPS or other sensors – unique in the industry. It includes features such as a remote magnetometer, as well as aircraft checklist and weight and balance calculator, which can be customized by the aircraft owner.
“With Apex Edge, we are trying to bring the latest in easy-to-use technology to the general aviation pilot,” says Chad Cundiff, vice president, crew interface products for Honeywell. “We have included capabilities, such as the graphical interface to the flight management system to increase pilot situational awareness.
“A follow up to our Silver Crown avionics series, Apex Edge is more display-driven,” he continues. “We feel the large format screen is important. The long horizon gives the pilot a better sense of what is level, helping to avoid spatial disorientation.
“With the amount of capability you get, for that price point, I think people are going to be excited about Apex Edge.”
Service and support are also key to the Apex Edge release. Honeywell offers a global service and support network for the entire service life of the systems, beginning with a two-year comprehensive standard warranty.
In addition, according to Cundiff, Honeywell plans to make it very easy to upgrade software for all avionics units, including Apex Edge.
“As we develop new functionality, we want to make sure our customers will be able to update the unit easily, without having to change out a lot of hardware,” Cundiff concludes. “The capability doesn’t end with what they put in the cockpit, but keeps growing year after year.”
Source: Flight International
