New Avionics Breathe Life Into Aging Aircraft

摘要

Honeywell is targeting hundreds of 10-20-year-old high-end business jets for facelifts. The avionics manufacturer's quest will accelerate this month with the expected FAA approval of the retrofit hardware and installation package for integrated attitude and navigation cockpit displays and inflight e-mail and satellite television upgrades for the cabin. The program is part of the company's goal to sell glass cockpit retrofits and audio/video connectivity to owners of large "classic" corporate aircraft with another 10 years of life left. Hottest prospects are the Gulfstream II, Gulfstream III, Challenger 601 and 602, Falcon 900B and even the venerable Boeing 727, according to officials.