A Look Into Gulfstream’s Signature Avionics System

Gulfstream Aerospace is a renowned name when it comes to producing modern, stylish, technologically advanced, and fuel-efficient business jets. The company strives to bring innovation into its products through years of research and development. Apart from the airframe, Gulfstream works closely with its partners to develop state-of-the-art systems onboard its planes.

One such system is the Symmetry Flight Deck which enhances the piloting experience and flight safety through the provision of active side sticks. The visual and tactile feedback between pilots is increased while important information is relayed through ten touch-screen displays in the flight deck.

Gulfstream claims that the Honeywell-produced Primus Epic system enhances operational efficiency and redundancy while providing an intuitive platform for information sharing.

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

According to Honeywell,

“Our Primus Epic for Gulfstream Symmetry flight deck is one of the most advanced in business aviation. It features integrated touchscreen controllers, our Next Generation Flight Management System (NGFMS), and other innovations from Honeywell. The G500 is the first aircraft to feature Honeywell’s new touch-screen technology.”

A highly integrated flight deck system

The Gulfstream Symmetric Flight Deck features:

• Electronically linked active control sidesticks
• Extensive use of touch-screen technology
• Gulfstream’s third-generation Enhanced Flight Vision System
• Greater situational awareness
• Enhanced flight safety

Photo: Gulfstream

The electronically linked active side sticks provide tactical feedback that gives pilots greater control of the aircraft, particularly in turbulent environments. Much of the tactile feedback that was lost due to the invention of fly-by-wire controls has been returned through the use of electronic active side sticks.

Unlike passive controls, which are complex, heavy, and have a relatively higher percentage of error, active side sticks feedback all information to the pilots.

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For example, any structural or aerodynamic operating limits, such as excessive bank angle or stall, are indicated to the pilots. Not only does it improve the pilot’s situational awareness, it significantly increases the safety of the aircraft. According to the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Gulfstream, Jeannine Hass,

“Viewers can expect a captivating look into the extraordinary commitment and effort involved in developing a true clean-sheet design — something truly innovative. “The series features a host of past and present industry leaders, all of whom went to great lengths to revolutionize aircraft technology.”

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Gulfstream’s Symmetry Flight Deck, with the integration of Primus Epic, aims to make flight displays more intuitive, accurate, and user-friendly for pilots. The state-of-the-art touch capabilities ease pilot workload while improving communication in the cockpit. Almost all flight functions can be performed using the integrated touch screens.

Intuitive touch screens can be used for:

• System controls
• Flight management
• Communication
• Checklists
• Weather monitoring
• Flight information

How does Honeywell Primus enhance the Symmetry Flight Deck?

• Honeywell’s SmartView Synthetic Vision
• Next Generation Flight Management Systems (NGFMS).
• Improved Air Traffic Management (ATM)
• Touch-screen controllers.
• 2-D and 3-D airport moving maps.
• Enhanced Primary Flight Display (PFD)
• Cockpit display of traffic information

The SmartView Synthetic Vision system provides large three-dimensional synthetic color imaging of the outside environment. Knowing the current image of the outside world enhances the safety and efficiency of the flight. The information aids pilots in planning their in-flight process in advance.

Honeywell claims that the Next-Generation Flight Management Systems (NGFMS) not only cover existing aircraft technologies but are also optimized to address future-generation aircraft, regardless of type and size. Optimized for future Air Traffic Management (ATM), the NGFMS delivers improved reliability, fuel efficiency, and reduced operating costs and pilot workload.

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The system utilizes 8-inch diagonal LCDs, fully integrating aircraft systems with the cockpit and improving flight planning, audio controls, and checklists. The technology has the inherent capability to expand to future systems, which is particularly beneficial due to the ever-transforming aviation industry.

The two-dimensional moving map integrated into the system shows detailed illustrations of the runways, taxiways, airport structures, and signs at many airports on navigation displays. According to Honeywell,

“The 2-D moving map shows runways, taxiways, airport structures and signs at many airports on navigation displays, while the 3-D moving map integrates the Synthetic Vision System for an “out the window” view of the airport on the Primary Flight Display (PFD).”

Photo: Gulfstream Aerospace

Traffic information is generated through the positioning of nearby ADS-B aircraft, both at the airports and in the surrounding air. The flight crew becomes more aware of the surface and airborne traffic, enabling greater safety. Airport incursions have been an area of significant concern, particularly involving corporate jets. In the United States alone, there have been more than a dozen near-misses at airports in recent months.

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What are your thoughts on Gulfstream’s Symmetry Flight Deck concept and its integrated systems? Have you had a chance to see the new Flight Deck in person? Share your views in the comments section.