Rockwell Collins dominated the avionics game at Las Vegas, scoring forward-fit applications for its Pro Line Fusion integrated fight deck on the Bombardier Global 7000 and 8000, retrofit selection on Hawker Beechcraft's King Air line and signing its first dealer in the emerging China market.
For the Global 7000 and 8000, the large-cabin, high-speed ultra-long-range business jets set for certification in 2016 and 2017, respectively, the Fusion system will include four 15.1in (38.6cm)displays, synthetic vision both on the head-down and HGS-6000 head-up display, and a forward-looking infrared sensor, the vendor of which has not yet been chosen. Pro Line fusion is already a major part of the Global Vision cockpit for the Global 5000 and 6000, set for certification in 2012. The flight deck received its type certificate in June.
Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, business and regional systems, says the cockpit displays will not be touch screens, as the pilots sit too far from the panel to effectively use such a system. The company recently introduced touch-screen displays for its Fusion integrated flight deck as part of a Pro Line 21 retrofit package for light jets and turboprops.
Touch-screen displays however will be a key feature of a programme with Hawker Beechcraft's global customer support group announced at the show. Under the agreement, Hawker will have exclusive rights to retrofit Pro Line Fusion systems with touch-screen displays into the company's aircraft, starting with the King Air 200. Target price for the retrofit is $300,000 installed. The cockpit features 14in displays and the ability to include Rockwell Collins' HGS-3500 light aircraft head-up displays with synthetic vision capability.
Sales and service of Rockwell Collins equipment gained eastward momentum as the company signed a business and regional aircraft sales, support and repair agreement with Beijing Capital Airlines, the largest business aviation operator in China. Beijing Capital airlines manages a fleet of more than 20 Gulfstream and Hawker Beechcraft business jets. Rockwell Collins will provide training to Beijing Capital employees over the next few months, with the company's Beijing office providing on-site support once service operations commence.
Source: Flight International
