Rockwell Colllins emerged a winner yesterday with the announcement that the Cedar Rapids, Iowa company’s Pro Line 21 avionics system has been selected as standard for both the Cessna Citation CJ3 and the Gulfstream 150.

The information provided by the system–attitude, heading, altitude, airspeed, engine data, navigation maps, weather radar and traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) surveillance–will be displayed on the CJ3 flight deck’s 10- by 8-in. high-resolution LCD flight displays. Bezel-mounted menu selectors will simplify access to display formats adapted for each phase of flight.

The CJ3 will also be the launch aircraft for Rockwell Collins’ new onboard file server unit. The FSU integrates with the Pro Line 21 partitioned processing capabilities. Ethernet interfaces and active matrix LCD flight displays bring enhanced maps, optional electronic charts and graphic weather to the CJ3 flight deck.

Additional Collins features for the CJ3 Pro Line 21 package include FMS-3000 flight management system, AHS-3000 attitude heading reference system, WXR solid-state weather radar (optional turbulence detection), ADS-3000 air data system, and dual-channel automatic flight control system.

The CJ3 is the third of Cessna’s CJ series to carry Pro Line 21 as standard. Cessna has targeted the first CJ3 delivery for late 2004.

The Pro Line 21 package in the Gulfstream 150 will carry as standard four 12- by 10-in. LCD displays. Like the Pro Line 21 package on the CJ3, it is integrated with the system’s partitioned processing capabilities. The G150 Pro Line 21 will include the Collins FMS-6000 flight management system. Pro Line 21 CNS communication, navigation and surveillance sensors support transition from voice to date communication and enable operators to meet new regulatory and operating requirements.

Pro Line 21 Capabilities Enhanced

At the same press conference, senior director of marketing and strategic management Bryan Vester revealed advanced capability upgrades for the Pro Line 21 system. Among them was the new onboard file server, standard on the CJ3 but optional on the G150. It will also be offered as part of the Pro Line 21 Continuum package for after-market applications. The G100 and G200, from which the G150 is derived, also carry Collins Pro Line 21 packages as standard equipment.

The system’s electronic charting function provides operators with approaches, procedures (SIDs and STARs), airport diagrams and notams. Operators will have ready access to appropriate charts for the entered flight plan and aircraft position may be viewed on geo-referenced charts. Usability of the charts is enhanced by proprietary graphics and color pallets designed to make the display easier to read, especially at night.

The FSU features an Ethernet portal for faster and more convenient software/database uploads, including FMS databases and the traditional Arinc 429 interfaces. Future functionality, according to Collins, will include support for controller pilot datalink communication, 2-D vertical terrain profiles, 3-D terrain and live video.

Collins also announced that it has received TSO approval for its Pro Line 21 CNS advanced radio sensor package. The CNS provides operators of current aircraft, as well as new-production business and regional aircraft, the technology to meet new regulatory and operating requirements.

The new sensors are significantly smaller and lighter than existing sensors, opening up additional space for technology insertions. They may be installed either as stand-alone units or as an integrated package. Operational upgrades will be offered through software changes.