In communications, WorldNav comprises: Honeywell/Racal satcom systems, which have been integrated with flight management and inertial reference systems; GPS; airborne communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS); and cabin telecommunications. Honeywell's Mode S data link transponder is being used in conjunction with traffic alert and collision avoidance (TCAS) and air traffic control radar beacon system, while Honeywell also manufactures the VL-2000 VHF data link receiver and the Global Navigation Satellite Sensor Unit (GNSSU). For precision navigation, Honeywell's Pegasus flight management system (FMS) has been specified by Boeing for the 757 and 767, by McDonnell Douglas for the MD-11 and MD-90 and by Airbus Industrie as standard across its aircraft types, notes the manufacturer. The Pegasus FMS has 16 times more total memory capacity than previous generation FMS, according to Honeywell. Pegasus' recent first flight on a MD-90 was a complete success, says Joe Ornelas, director of avionics and simulation at McDonnell Douglas. The MD-90 first flight was closely followed by the first flight on a MD-11. The flight test programme will lead to FAA certification in October, followed by deliveries to launch airline Saudi Arabian Airlines. The Pegasus-equipped MD-90 that will be delivered to Saudi later this year will also represent the first application of Honeywell's VIA 2000 integrated modular avionics technology, says Honeywell.
Source: Flight International
