In a flurry of announcements, Honeywell has heralded new RSVM compliant air data systems, the launch of the Laseref IV and the delivery of the 100th HUD 2020. The company's latest aircraft maintenance software was also on display at NBAA in October. Updates on the OneLink Inmarsat-based communications system, the SCS-1000 SATCOM system and the AVS-1000 audio/video package were also made.\rHoneywell says that its new family of air data systems, including the AZ-252, AZ-960 and AM-250 computers, will offer improved accuracy, increased reliability and reduced weight and power usage. New features are a Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RSVM) capability and stable silicon sensor technology. \r"We have installed over 30,000 air data computers in commercial and military aircraft and our new products support these legacy systems with the best of today's precision air data systems," said Gary Kivela, vp of Honeywell's commercial aviation systems product unit. \rThe Laseref IV, which first received FAA TSO approval on December 30, 1998, weighs 17 pounds, 11 pounds less than its predecessor, the Laseref III. It also dissipates about 40 Watts, a saving of 15 Watts. It is the standard Inertial Reference System (IRS) on the Gulfstream V, Citation X and Falcon 900C, Falcon 900EX, Falcon 2000 and Falcon 50EX aircraft. Certifications on the Global Express, Galaxy and Embraer Regional Jet are anticipated by the end of 1999.\rA Micro IRS system is in development at Honeywell, designed to provide the same functionality as the Laseref IV at 60 per cent of the weight. The first application of the Micro IRS will be as part of the Primus Epic system that will be certified on the Hawker Horizon in 2001.\rHoneywell and its partner Marconi delivered the 100th HUD 2020 head-up display system to Gulfstream at NBAA. The HUD 2020 is said to enhance operators' situational awareness. Ronald J. Guerra, president of KaiserAir, praised the HUD 2020: "The first touch down I made with reference to HUD only was a positive experience. This will make poor visibility approaches routine."\rAlso at NBAA, Honeywell's Aircraft Maintenance and Operations Support System (AMOSS) was on display. The company claims the software will improve aircraft availability and reduce maintenance downtime for business jets by enabling maintenance managers and technicians to interact electronically with manufacturers, minimising paperwork and improving diagnostic accuracy.\r"AMOSS is designed to provide pre-arrival diagnosis of a problem and then guide maintenance personnel to the solution," said a spokesman for Honeywell. "For example, a failed box can be identified en route and a spare or repair can be waiting when the plane arrives." \rMore than 60 business jets are now using OneLink communication services for their air-to-ground and ground-to-air voice calls, faxes and PC data satellite communications, according to Honeywell. OneLink utilises Inmarsat, the only long-range voice, fax and data aeronautical satellite constellation approved by international authorities for air traffic use. "Reaching the aeroplane is easy with OneLink," said Larry Bowe, director of Honeywell's aviation services business unit. "Customers dial a toll-free number from anywhere in the world, give their pin, and get connected."\rOneLink is said to eliminate the need to know which of the four Inmarsat satellites is providing service to the aeroplane in-flight, and offers consolidated billing for all calls made. Honeywell will offer the SCS-1000 Mini-M Aero SATCOM system to accompany OneLink. The SCS-1000 is a single-channel aeronautical communications system that provides standard or secure transmissions.\r"The SCS-100 is an especially attractive SATCOM choice for business jet operators. Its cost is significantly lower than other systems and its components are small and lightweight, allowing for flexible installation options," said a spokesman for Honeywell.\rThe Honeywell Audio/Video System (AVS-1000) features two new products said to provide information and entertainment in the cabin of business aircraft. "Audio on demand" provides separate channels for up to 13 passengers from a choice of 120 music or audio albums. The VideoFile server contains 24 hours of recorded programming, in addition to aircraft position, safety briefings, and a selection of "entertainment, information and enrichment videos". The AVS-1000 is built and supplied to Honeywell by Transdigital Communications Corporation.\rThe units will come pre-loaded with programming which Honeywell says will be applicable to most operators, and updates will be available through subscription. There are also plans to offer an interactive service from early 2000 offering news, weather, sports and stock market information using the VideoFile server as a platform.