Dutch Air Force Chinook Goes Honeywell

New Royal Netherlands Air Force Boeing CH-47F (NL) helicopters are to be equipped with Honeywell’s avionics control and management system, which will also be used to modify the customer’s existing fleet. To reduce crew workload, the equipment will provide an integrated cockpit with “improved functionality and efficient human factors,” said Honeywell.

The system comprises weather radar, color multifunction displays, electronic instruments, integrated mission processors, air data computer, moving map, and guidance navigation and control. Improved situational awareness and survival is offered through use of secure satellite communications and night-time vision and viewing.

Also accommodated by the equipment are engine and other critical subsystems monitoring, as well as warning, caution and advisory messages. The system is being developed at Honeywell’s Defense and Space facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and will be fitted at Boeing’s Philadelphia factory. Deliveries of CH-47F (NL)s will begin in 2008.