Honeywell Tests First Cloud-connected Cockpit System

Honeywell successfully test flew its new integrated Anthem flight deck, the company’s first cloud-connected cockpit system.

The flight using the company’s Pilatus PC-12 lasted for about one hour and was flown by Ed Manning, the pilot in command, with the support of other pilots and engineers.

In achieving the company’s “big first”, Jim Currier, President, Electronic Solutions, Honeywell Aerospace described the test flight as a “historic milestone” in changing how pilots fly aircraft.

“Throughout the flight, the pilot and crew tested various aspects of the modular and customizable system, and it performed exactly as designed,” Currier said, adding that the next step will be testing the system in real-life scenarios.

For pilots, a cloud-connected cockpit system can enhance safety and efficiency by making aircraft operations more autonomous. The Anthem flight deck is designed for all types of aircraft from business jets to advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles. Compared to Honeywell’s Primus Epic system, Honeywell Anthem is 50% smaller but more flexible when it comes to installation.

“Honeywell Anthem is breaking new ground in avionics design and the pilot-machine interface, with the goal of making pilots’ jobs easier and safer and essentially allowing pilots to configure their own cockpit based on mission and phase of flight,” said Ken Hurt, vice president, Engineering, Honeywell Anthem, Honeywell Aerospace.

Hurt said the successful test flight is an indication of the Honeywell Anthem system’s maturity and puts the company in a strong position to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.

The PC-12 test aircraft equipped with the Anthem flight deck will be showcased at AirVenture 2023 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, at the end of July.

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