Honeywell Receives FAA Approval for New Flight Management Software Upgrade

GPS Enabled System to Help Meet Emerging ATM Needs

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Aug 09, 2010, 03:37 ET

PHOENIX, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin delivering its Flight Management System (FMS) software upgrade that provides advanced GPS-enabled approaches and access to Future Air Navigation System (FANS) routes in congested air spaces and oceanic airways.

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The Technical Standard Order (TSO) approval from the FAA allows the company's new FMS 6.1 software upgrade to be installed in aircraft with Honeywell's FMZ-2000 flight management system. Approximately 600 aircraft will be eligible for the upgrade including Falcon 900B, Hawker 800XP and Challenger 601 aircraft. Honeywell expects follow-on certifications for other FMZ-2000 platforms, including Bombardier Global Express, Gulfstream G-IV and G-V, Falcon 900EX, Citation X and Embraer Legacy 600/650 aircraft.

The upgrade provides capability for Wide Area Augmentation System-Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (WAAS-LPV) and FANS and also prepares the aircraft for future FAA Authorization to fly Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Special Aircraft and Aircrew Authorization Required (SAAAR) operations.

"Pilots now have the access to flight management system software which will help to meet the emerging Air Traffic Management needs by offering three key operational features in a single software package," said Rob Wilson, President, Business and General Aviation. "Honeywell's 6.1 version of the FMS software enable more than 2,000 LPV and close to 200 RNP-SAAAR approaches to fly higher accuracy paths to lower minimums during inclement weather and provide conformity for landings in congested airspace and difficult terrain. With this software upgrade, more direct approaches are available to the autopilot, saving time and fuel," Wilson said.

Key software features include:

WAAS-LPV – This functionality offers GPS vertical guidance for lower minimums during a GPS approach. More than 2,000 approaches are enabled through the WAAS GPS Space-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). Pilots will now be able to accept the LPV approaches for lower landing minimums.

FANS – Honeywell expects this to be available for the Bombardier Global Express and Embraer Legacy 600/650 aircraft in the coming months. FANS will provide a radar-like environment in key oceanic regions and enable data link communications to Air Traffic Control providing route flexibility, reduced crew workload and more closely controlled arrival and departure times.

RNP- SAAAR – The software update supports the FMS functionality required for FAA authorization for RNP-SAAAR. RNP-SAAAR will allow landings in congested air space and difficult terrain. With FAA authorization, business jet pilots can fly safer and more direct approaches and departures, and in doing so increase operational efficiencies and reduce operating costs, noise and emissions. Coupled with Honeywell's "Go-Direct" RNP services, operators realize cost and timesaving benefit from this software upgrade.

To learn more about FMZ-2000 6.1 software upgrade please visit www.flywhatsnext.com

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Honeywell's aerospace business is a leading global provider of integrated avionics, engines, systems and service solutions for aircraft manufacturers, airlines, business and general aviation, military, space and airport operations.

Honeywell International (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials. Based in Morris Township, N.J., Honeywell's shares are traded on the New York, London, and Chicago Stock Exchanges. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywellnow.com.

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SOURCE Honeywell