Gulfstream PlaneView Advanced Cockpit
Gulfstream Aerospace and Honeywell have converged to introduce a technologically-advanced integrated avionics system that will be featured in the G350, G450, G500 and G550 models. Primus Epic avionics suite for Gulfstream’s PlaneView Advanced Cockpit is primarily focused on improvements in pilot performance and safety. With many upgrades and improvements on older programs, Primus Epic gives Gulfstream a big competitive advantage.
The cockpit’s displays consist of four 10×13 inch flat panel, LCD screens. Unlike older systems, all primary parameters are displayed on a single primary flight display (PFD) for a more organized and efficient presentation. Another improved feature of the Primus Epic suite is INAV, the first interactive navigation system. INAV allows pilots to interact with the flight plan by selecting-and-clicking options such as “direct to” locations and “add” or “delete” routes, waypoints or arrivals/departures. Pilots are able to zoom, pan and split screens for more convenient viewing. INAV renders in real-time for improved situational awareness.
The Primus Epic’s integrated flight management system (FMS) provides precise long-range navigation capabilities and can navigate entirely by GPS while still collecting input from its sensors. The FMS maintains Primus Epic’s emphasis on pilot performance and safety by including a full three-dimensional mission performance with automatic computations and automatically transitioning dual flight guidance computers. These features reduce the workload while increasing safety.
In addition to the state-of-the-art avionics suite, Gulfstream has incorporated a new software upgrade in its cockpits. FAA certified in January 2008, the synthetic vision primary flight display (SV-PFD) software offers enhanced viewing from the cockpit. Pilots are able to view images of the terrain through computer-generated graphics. These images are derived from the aircraft’s enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) data. The optional upgraded software, priced at approximately $300,000, assists in adverse weather conditions.
Overall, Gulfstream’s advanced cockpit technology offers a lot of key benefits to pilots, the obvious being enhanced safety and a reduction in the workload. Other benefits include a modular design able to support future advancements; a decrease in size, allowing for more cabin room; a lighter configuration that lowers the aircraft’s weight; and a commonality across the four Gulfstream models, keeping maintenance and training consistent throughout.