Raytheon will certificate new Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics in its Hawker 800XP business jet later this year. The upgrade forms part of the company's strategy to enhance the appeal of the mid-size aircraft, a derivative of the former British Aerospace 125 line which Raytheon acquired in 1993.
The avionics upgrade is also designed to fend off competition from new-generation business jets, including the superlight Bombardier Learjet 45 and Cessna Citation Excel, and the mid-size Citation Sovereign, which is scheduled to enter service within three years.
Collins Pro Line 21 avionics were selected over the Honeywell Primus Epic system, chosen for the super mid-size Hawker Horizon currently under development, and replaces Honeywell's SPZ-8000. Pro Line 21 is fitted on Raytheon's recently certificated Premier I entry-level business jet.
The system features four 250mm x 200mm (10in x 8in) liquid crystal displays; turbulence detection weather radar; airborne collision avoidance and terrain awareness warning systems; dual FMS-6000 flight management systems; a new glareshield control panel featuring central flight guidance controls flanked by display controls; and dual AHS-3000 solid-state attitude and heading reference systems.
The system is being flight-tested on a Hawker 800XP and the first Pro Line 21-equipped production aircraft should enter completion in July. First customer deliveries of the fully integrated system are set for the first quarter of next year.
Source: Flight International
