Honeywell Aerospace and Inmarsat have finalised the critical design review (CDR) of the GX Aviation aircraft avionics, a move that will bring high-speed, consistent wireless internet connectivity to passengers and pilots on aircraft.

Product certifications are expected to be received in late 2014, followed by product introduction, which may take place during the first half of 2015.

GX Aviation will serve both passenger and business jets; it will provide data rates to the aircraft of up to 50Mbps.

"We are actively working with several air transport and business aviation manufacturers to provide GX Aviation and to enable a truly connected aircraft from gate to gate and from ground to over 40,000ft."

The completion of the CDR marks the final development review for the GX Aviation aircraft avionics programme.

Engineers have completed the evaluation on schedule and carried out a comprehensive audit of the system design, engineering model hardware and programme.

Honeywell Safety and Information Systems Marketing vice-president Jack Jacobs said: "We are on-track to bring a new level of high-speed, in-fight connectivity to consumers and airlines around the world, regardless of whether it is a domestic or international flight.

"In addition, we are actively working with several air transport and business aviation manufacturers to provide GX Aviation and to enable a truly connected aircraft from gate to gate and from ground to over 40,000ft."

During the process, Inmarsat’s team reviewed the final functional specifications of hardware designs, as well as the results of engineering units tests, which will enable the continued progress of the GX Aviation programme.

Defence Technology