Synthetic Vision For Pro Line 21 Coming In 2012

Just weeks after receiving its final TSO, Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system received supplemental type certification (STC). The STC, issued by the FAA, was achieved on the company’s experimental test aircraft.

Pro Line Fusion brings new features currently not available in the marketplace, including:

• An eyes-forward human interface featuring synthetic vision on the head-up display (HUD).
• Intuitive airport visualization enhancements, including the synthetic vision Airport Dome that orients pilots before descent and target runway highlighting on the airport diagram.
• Networked capability enabling interoperability to synchronize the aircraft and ground systems and make database updates.
• An open, software-based architecture which simplifies aircraft certification using a proven functional software TSO approach, lets original equipment manufacturers select the right computing hardware footprint for each of the aircraft in their families, and supports rapid deployment of new features as they are certified.

“This certification affirms the flexibility and adaptability of the Pro Line Fusion system, and enables aircraft manufacturers to more easily install and certify the system on their respective platforms,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins. “We continue to progress toward Pro Line Fusion’s entry into service and are working with customers to achieve more certifications in the coming months.”

For Operators of aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line 21 avionics, synthetic vision will soon be available. The upgrade, available in 2012, will be offered for forward fit and aftermarket installations of Pro Line 21. The announcement was made at the 11th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.

Synthetic vision technology better equips flight crews for situational awareness in low visibility and unfamiliar territory by providing a computer generated 3D depiction of terrain. Precise navigation and integrity monitoring sensors provide a synthetic view of the external environment, regardless of weather or time of day, enhancing operational safety.

“Today, more than 4000 aircraft are flying with Pro Line 21, and more than 300 aircraft are delivering each year,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems for Rockwell Collins. “Bringing this advancement to Pro Line 21 is a prime example of our commitment to provide the latest safety and situational awareness technologies to one of the largest customer bases in business aviation today.”

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com