Honeywell’s new LASEREFVI advanced inertial navigation technology to become an option for future and in-service AW101 helicopters from 2016
Honeywell, June 11, 2015 - PHOENIX – Honeywell Aerospace will supply the Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter with its LASEREF VI Inertial Navigation System.
The advanced inertial navigation technology makes it easier for helicopter pilots to navigatewith extreme accuracy, even with the loss of GPS satellite guidance, and brings unprecedented new capabilities to the platform including greater precision and efficiency.
The new upgrade is available for future and in-service AW101 helicopters,and will be accessible to operators starting in 2016. The availability of the LASEREF VI Inertial Navigation System (INS) on the AW101 marks the first time that a Honeywell civilinertial reference systemhas been certified on an AgustaWestland platform.
“The advanced technology behind the LASEREF VI will bring a wealth of new functionality for AW101 helicopters,” said Steve Lien, vice president,Defense and Space International, Honeywell Aerospace. “Operators who select the platform will benefit fromprecise flying approaches not previously possible, andpilots will be able to achieve accurate positioning data and maximize safety during operations.”
Honeywell’s LASEREF VI will help AW101 operators improve mission capability and flexibility of their fleet, reduce their pilot workload, and ensure that safety is maintained at all times. Honeywell was selected givenits proven performance record and certified RNP capability, helping the AW101 remain one of the most capable tactical transport helicopter platforms on the market today.
Benefits of the Honeywell LASEREFVI
AW101 operators flying Honeywell’s LASEREFVI INScan take advantage of new capabilities including a Required Navigation Performance (RNP) of 0.3 nautical miles with 100 percent availability. With this level of precision, operators can fly approaches not previously possible, including when GPS is temporarily interrupted. It also lays the foundation for them to obtain helicopter operational approval for RNP low-level operations.
Designed to withstand the hot and dusty conditions of rotorcraft operation, the LASEREF VI offers acombined GPS/INSmode and an inertial-only mode. Ituses ring laser gyro technology to provide pilots with incredibly accurate positioning data and maximized safetyeven during extended periods of operation.
The LASEREF VIis small, light and designed to operate with low power draw for improved efficiency.It features Honeywell’s HIGH Step2 inertial-GPS hybrid functionality for improved RNP availability, and has an FAA Technical Standard Order that certifies it to the highest possible civilian standards. The LASEREF VI is one of a wide range of inertial navigation technologies Honeywell supplies for military and civil fixed wing and rotorcraft, as well as space applications, with more than 100,000 systems fielded to date.
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and its turbochargers are used by nearly every automaker and truck manufacturer around the world. The Aerospace business unit develops innovative solutions for more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, safer flying and runway traffic, along with aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services, logistics, and more. The business delivers safer, faster, and more efficient and comfortable transportation-related experiences worldwide.
The advanced inertial navigation technology makes it easier for helicopter pilots to navigatewith extreme accuracy, even with the loss of GPS satellite guidance, and brings unprecedented new capabilities to the platform including greater precision and efficiency.
The new upgrade is available for future and in-service AW101 helicopters,and will be accessible to operators starting in 2016. The availability of the LASEREF VI Inertial Navigation System (INS) on the AW101 marks the first time that a Honeywell civilinertial reference systemhas been certified on an AgustaWestland platform.
“The advanced technology behind the LASEREF VI will bring a wealth of new functionality for AW101 helicopters,” said Steve Lien, vice president,Defense and Space International, Honeywell Aerospace. “Operators who select the platform will benefit fromprecise flying approaches not previously possible, andpilots will be able to achieve accurate positioning data and maximize safety during operations.”
Honeywell’s LASEREF VI will help AW101 operators improve mission capability and flexibility of their fleet, reduce their pilot workload, and ensure that safety is maintained at all times. Honeywell was selected givenits proven performance record and certified RNP capability, helping the AW101 remain one of the most capable tactical transport helicopter platforms on the market today.
Benefits of the Honeywell LASEREFVI
AW101 operators flying Honeywell’s LASEREFVI INScan take advantage of new capabilities including a Required Navigation Performance (RNP) of 0.3 nautical miles with 100 percent availability. With this level of precision, operators can fly approaches not previously possible, including when GPS is temporarily interrupted. It also lays the foundation for them to obtain helicopter operational approval for RNP low-level operations.
Designed to withstand the hot and dusty conditions of rotorcraft operation, the LASEREF VI offers acombined GPS/INSmode and an inertial-only mode. Ituses ring laser gyro technology to provide pilots with incredibly accurate positioning data and maximized safetyeven during extended periods of operation.
The LASEREF VIis small, light and designed to operate with low power draw for improved efficiency.It features Honeywell’s HIGH Step2 inertial-GPS hybrid functionality for improved RNP availability, and has an FAA Technical Standard Order that certifies it to the highest possible civilian standards. The LASEREF VI is one of a wide range of inertial navigation technologies Honeywell supplies for military and civil fixed wing and rotorcraft, as well as space applications, with more than 100,000 systems fielded to date.
Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft, and its turbochargers are used by nearly every automaker and truck manufacturer around the world. The Aerospace business unit develops innovative solutions for more fuel-efficient automobiles and airplanes, more direct and on-time flights, safer flying and runway traffic, along with aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity services, logistics, and more. The business delivers safer, faster, and more efficient and comfortable transportation-related experiences worldwide.
See also |
AgustaWestland EH101
Helicopters Avionics 
Honeywell 
