Honeywell Provides Details On Its New SURF IA Technology

---

Honeywell has completed initial testing of its new SURF IA (Surface Indications and Alert System) software, which aims to reduce the risks of aircraft-related accidents on runways. In addition to enhancing pilot awareness, the data- and algorithm-driven software aims to help reduce decision-making times and produce quicker pilot actions. (Photo courtesy of Honeywell.)

Honeywell recently provided some information regarding its new software-based SURF IA, or Surface Indications and Alert System; the company points to data claiming that at least two runway incursions occur daily in the European region. SURF IA, which Honeywell is developing with Airbus, Dassault, and Eurocontrol, aims to help commercial and business aircraft avoid such incidents by issuing visual and audio warnings to pilots about approaching runway hazards. With initial testing complete, Honeywell will now turn its attention to prototype testing the software on its test aircraft before entering full-scale product development.

Better Pilot Awareness

Currently, there isn’t an independent avionics system on the market that “can help avoid runway accidents and collisions,” says Mike Stewart, Honeywell Aerospace vice president of Advanced Technologies. He adds, though, that with such products as Honeywell’s SmartRunway, SmartLanding, and SURF IA products, the company is “pioneering accident prevention through better pilot awareness, less latency in decision-making, and quicker actions.” Honeywell also produces an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System and SmartTraffic Collision Avoidance System.

Developing SURF IA, Stewart says, will enable Honeywell to take its existing technology to another level to reduce risks. Honeywell says while pilots have traditionally solely relied on their line of sight and air traffic control-provided instructions to avoid collisions on runways, SURF IA uses data analysis and algorithms to provide aircrews with early warnings in order to make quicker decisions to avoid runway accidents.

Factoring For Collisions

Honeywell specifically explains that SURF IA analyzes data related to an aircraft’s position and uses specialized algorithms to calculate such factors as time to collision to notify pilots of aircraft in their vicinity. Besides being designed to require minimal changes to existing avionics, Honeywell says SURF IA uses Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out data (“a globally mandated technology upgrade due by 2020”) to making the installation of SURF IA quick and easy.

If you’re in the market for new or used business jets and other aircraft, you’ll find thousands of jet, turboprop, and single- and twin-engine piston models for sale every day on Controller.com, including aircraft from Dassault.

Source: Honeywell

Questions? Comments? Visit the Controller Forums to ask questions, get answers, and share your thoughts.