Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace has announced upgrades to the APEX integrated avionics package planned for the Grob SPn, a light jet for business aviation. Honeywell says the improvements will reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness and provide a platform for future avionics modifications. The updates involve a higher level of integration between aircraft and avionics systems. Features that can be integrated more easily into the APEX cockpit include an electronic flight bag, dual flight management systems, weather radar, enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), enhanced vision and traffic alert collision avoidance system (TCAS II).
The enhanced APEX suite also has more software processing power, allowing future equipment installations, such as synthetic vision, vertical navigation (VNAV), controller pilot data link communications (CPDLC), automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), autothrottle and emergency decent mode. Honeywell decided to upgrade the APEX system because "it was a logical progression, given the size and sophistication of the SPn and its intended customer base," says Roger Dykmann, marketing and product manager for Honeywell’s Integrated Avionics Systems division. The APEX cockpit uses the company’s digital engine operating system (DEOS), which was developed for its Primus Epic avionics suite. Honeywell says that Primus Epic features and functions can be transferred to the APEX system. The enhanced avionics package will be available with the introduction of the Grob SPn, which is currently scheduled for customer deliveries in the second quarter of 2007. Visit www.honeywell.com and www.grobspn.com.