Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that its latest helicopter Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems (EGPWS), which are Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (HTAWS), are fully compliant with the performance requirements of the FAA's recently released Technical Standard Order TSO-C194. The TSO-C194 sets minimum HTAWS standards.

"Honeywell's Mark XXI and Mark XX II systems – our helicopter Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning Systems – are specifically tailored for the dynamics of rotary-wing performance and the flight characteristics of helicopters and help prevent collisions with ground, water and obstacles," said TK Kallenbach, Honeywell Vice President, Marketing and Product Management. "The systems provide superior and potentially life-saving information for flight crews, even when flying in changing weather with poor visibility, in rough terrain, or at low altitudes."

Honeywell plans to obtain formal HTAWS TSO approval for its helicopter EGPWS systems this year.

"The Mark XXI and XXII EGPWS ensure that all helicopter operators, including Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operators, have the right equipment on board to help avoid terrain and obstacles, such as towers," Kallenbach said. "Ensuring the safety of flight crews, medical personnel, patients, and passengers is a number one concern."

Honeywell's safety systems for helicopters address the challenges of traffic, terrain and weather, helping to ensure safe flight and guard against Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT), weather related hazards, and collisions with obstacles and other aircraft. The systems are designed specifically for unique requirements of helicopter operations.

Honeywell, which produced the first terrain avoidance system for commercial aircraft, produces a full range of aircraft equipment, from engines, auxiliary power units and other mechanical systems to Health Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS) and avionics. Additionally, Honeywell produces the Integrated Primary Flight Display synthetic vision system.