Honeywell Scores Big With FAA, IBIS Aerospace And Gulfstream

This was a good week for Honeywell. In no particular order: The company announced that it received FAA certification for its TFE731-20BR engine and will be part of the standard avionics package for the new Ibis Aerospace Ae270 “Spirit” aircraft. It also said Gulfstream selected its AIS-1000 and AIS-2000 satellite television systems as the preferred television installations for completed aircraft. The announcements came during the EBACE business aviation exposition in Geneva. Honeywell’s TFE731-20BR delivers 3,650 pounds of thrust at takeoff and will power Bombardier’s new Learjet 45 XR super-light business aircraft. Meanwhile, the company’s KFC 325 Digital Flight Control System and its APEX integrated cockpit have been selected as the standard avionics package for the new Ibis Aerospace Ae270 “Spirit” business aircraft when deliveries start early in 2005. Finally, Gulfstream’s decision means Honeywell’s in-cabin television systems will handle much more than just navigation.

“The -20BR will give operators excellent performance and reliability,” said Barry Eccleston, Honeywell vice president & general manager. “This engine incorporates nearly 40 million hours of TFE731 engine operation in business aviation and will give operators improved thrust, reduced fuel consumption and lower maintenance costs.” According to Honeywell, the TFE731-20BR will deliver 3,650 pounds of thrust up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning improved performance from high-elevation airports in hot conditions. Meanwhile, Ibis Aerospace’s decision to make Honeywell’s products standard equipment on the Ae270 means the forthcoming single-engine turboprop will feature digital communication and navigation radios, an all-digital flight management system, a digital autopilot, three Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays, Mode S transponder, Engine Indicating and Caution Alert System (EICAS), weather radar and a dual-channel Air Data Attitude Heading Reference System (ADAHRS). Ibis Aerospace Ltd. is a joint venture between Aero Vodochody and the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation. The Ae270 “Spirit” is projected with a range of 1,544 nautical miles, a 270-knot maximum cruising speed and a useful load of up to 3,300 pounds.