Honeywell announced today software upgrades for the GNS-XLS Enhanced Global Flight Management System.
“These upgrades are designed to extend the life of the system and meet new operational standards in Europe and the United States,” said Ken Snodgrass, Director of Technical Sales for Honeywell’s Business and General Aviation business. “The upgrades enable operators to take advantages of no-hold times and more efficient routing for quicker en route times.” New European and U.S. standards include Precision Area Navigation compliance, Advisory Circular 90-100 compliance and memory expansion to allow for worldwide navigation database installation. Snodgrass continued, “P-RNAV compliance is quickly becoming a requirement in Europe as access to airspace for non-compliant aircraft becomes more restrictive. It allows certification under the Eurocontrol’s Technical Guidance Leaflet-10, while AC 90-100 compliance meets the new Federal Aviation Administration’s AC concerning terminal navigation procedures.” The new software enables access to new 20 megabyte PCMCIA memory card containing the 28-day Worldwide Navigational Database. This database succeeds the multiple regional databases currently used by the GNS-XLS and will allow the operator to load one database regardless of where the aircraft travels in the world. The GNS-XLS, a compact, low cost FMS that combines Global Positioning approach technology with graphical weather and EGPWS display capability, offers performance, flexibility and value in a single integrated unit. Operators can load the new GNS-XLS software via installation of a PCMCIA card to transfer the new software version and can be done on-aircraft. Honeywell will supply the PCMCIA card and plate to the dealer/installer as part of the upgrade kit. This Honeywell-supplied kit is the only method in which to upgrade either the GNS-XLS or CDU-XLS. The older GNS-X systems will not be able to accept this new upgrade due to hardware limitations in the unit. New customers or current GNS-X operators that wish to upgrade to a new GNS-XLS will receive a no-charge software kit as if they place an order and take delivery of the system in 2006. |
