Honeywell’s IntuVue RDR-7000 weather radar has been certified by Brazil’s Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC) for use on Bombardier Learjet 40 and 45 aircraft. The upgrade has been made possible through a collaboration with Maga Aviation, a Bombardier-authorised service centre based in Brazil.

The RDR-7000 replaces traditional magnetron-based systems with a fully automated radar capable of scanning up to 60,000 feet, detecting turbulence at 60 miles and delivering greater clarity around storm activity. Honeywell’s José Vinicius Martins says the technology gives pilots a new level of awareness: “With the RDR-7000, pilots can see weather that will affect their route, detect turbulence at 60 miles and scan up to 60,000 feet. By providing a clear view of weather conditions, the system will help pilots chart the safest and most comfortable route through turbulent weather.”

The radar’s compatibility with both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft allows it to be retrofitted across a wide fleet base. OEMs with eligible types include Bombardier, Cessna, Dassault, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin. Brazilian helicopter operator Omni Air Taxi has already begun equipping its AW139 fleet with the technology.

Maga Aviation CEO Edivaldo de Sousa Coelho adds: “Our long-standing work with Honeywell enables us to bring transformative technologies like the RDR-7000 to the Brazilian market. As an authorised Bombardier service centre, we're uniquely positioned to integrate this advanced weather radar system, enhancing safety and operational efficiency for Learjet operators.”

Certification by the U.S. FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency remains pending.