Honeywell has announced that its IntuVue RDR-7000 weather radar system has received certification from Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) for installation on Bombardier Learjet 40 and 45 aircraft. Developed in collaboration with Maga Aviation, an authorised Bombardier service centre in Brazil, this advanced radar system marks a significant enhancement in aviation safety and efficiency for regional operators.
The RDR-7000 is a fully automated, solid-state radar designed to replace older magnetron-based systems. It offers a host of advanced capabilities, including the ability to detect turbulence up to 60 miles away and scan weather patterns as high as 60,000 feet. According to José Vinicius Martins, regional sales manager for Honeywell Aerospace Technologies in South America, the system dramatically improves a pilot's situational awareness and enables safer, more comfortable navigation through adverse weather conditions.
The system's benefits go beyond weather detection. It offers increased reliability and reduced maintenance demands, resulting in lower operational costs for aircraft owners and operators. Its compatibility with both helicopters and business jets makes it a versatile solution. Honeywell's collaboration with Maga Aviation has allowed the technology to be tailored effectively for the Brazilian market. Edivaldo de Sousa Coelho, CEO of Maga Aviation, noted the importance of this partnership in integrating high-impact innovations into the region's aviation infrastructure.
Already selected by major operators like OMNI Air Taxi for fleet upgrades, the RDR-7000 is designed to be retrofitted on a wide range of aircraft, including models from Cessna, Dassault, Leonardo, and Lockheed Martin. While already approved in Brazil, the system is currently awaiting validation from the U.S. FAA and the European EASA, signalling further global adoption on the horizon.