Flight testing begins on Pro Line Fusion display upgrade

Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) and Rockwell Collins have announced that flight testing has begun for the program that will bring the first touch-screen primary flight displays (PFDs) to the business aviation industry.

GCS will debut Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion with touch-screen and cursor-controlled flight displays as an aftermarket option to all in-service Beechcraft King Air Pro Line 21-equipped aircraft. Certification for the initial King Air application is expected by the end of 2013 with entry into service in early 2014.

“We’re thrilled to bring this technology to our existing fleet of aircraft by collaborating with Rockwell Collins,” said Christi Tannahill, Hawker Beechcraft senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “Our King Air owners are eager to upgrade to easy-to-manage flight deck displays that take situational awareness to another level and allow for future technology and requirements.”
Rockwell Collins is using its King Air B200GT for flight testing from its Flight Operations facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.”

“First flight for this latest configuration of Pro Line Fusion is a significant step in our development process. We’re on track for bringing this innovation to market as planned,” said Greg Irmen, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Systems, Rockwell Collins.