Flying keeps getting better: The evolution of the Primus Epic flight deck

Primus Epic is getting better all the time. Business jet pilots tell us that flying the world’s most popular integrated flight deck is like having a seasoned copilot who knows the mission and can almost read your mind.

For pilots and operators, the evolving Primus Epic flight deck brings together advanced avionics, cockpit automation, connectivity and situational awareness capabilities that can make complex flight operations more intuitive.

“Primus Epic redefines the relationship between pilots and their aircraft by turning the cockpit into a strategic partner that transforms complex data into actionable intelligence,” said Jorge Verduzco, product line director for integrated avionics at Honeywell Aerospace.

Experienced business jet pilot Nat Iyengar agrees. “Modern cockpit technology helps pilots manage workload, avoid errors and maintain high levels of situational awareness,” said the 30-year cockpit veteran who flies Gulfstream business jets for Jet Aviation.

Honeywell Aerospace has only scratched the surface of Primus Epic’s full potential, according to Monta Fowlkes, Honeywell Aerospace vice president for Integrated Avionics. “Our engineering teams are constantly working to advance the platform by integrating new capabilities that simplify the act of flying and help pilots stay ahead of the aircraft,” he said.

“The future of Primus Epic is not just about adding new technology,” Fowlkes emphasized. “It’s about improving how pilots interact with their aircraft in today’s more complex and data-rich aviation ecosystem. We are working to deliver a cockpit that is more intuitive, more connected and more capable with every update.”

Recent Primus Epic enhancements focused on situational awareness, connectivity and automation, aimed at simplifying pilot workflow while improving safety and efficiency.

• Advanced situational awareness: Upgrades to SmartView synthetic vision, 2D/3D airport moving maps and integrated navigation (INAV) provide a clearer, more intuitive picture of terrain, traffic and flight path even in low-visibility conditions. 
• Next-generation flight management: Enhancements to the flight management system (FMS) now support more precise operations, including required time of arrival (RTA) and deeper integration with electronic flight bags (EFBs) and external applications. 
• Connected cockpit capabilities: New secure gateway and wireless data capabilities enable real-time data sharing between pilots, aircraft systems and ground operations to streamline workflows and improve decision-making. 
• Resilient navigation and safety: Advanced situational awareness features, including surface alerts, synthetic vision and integrated navigation, help pilots avoid hazards and operate more safely in all conditions.
• Improved automation and control: Updates to flight controls, such as next-generation autothrottle and flight director enhancements, help reduce pilot workload and support smoother, more efficient operations. Top of Form

Business jet owners and operators won’t outgrow Primus Epic because the flight deck continues to evolve to keep up with business aviation’s continuous evolution.

“We intend to keep Primus Epic at the forefront of cockpit technology for at least the next 10-15 years,” according to Jeff Woirhaye, senior director of product management for avionics systems. “One way we’re doing that is by moving advanced capabilities from our latest Honeywell Anthem flight deck for new aircraft designs to Primus Epic."

Primus Epic 3.0 extends the life, value and capability of Primus Epic-equipped aircraft, said Verduzco.

• Touch-enabled interfaces: Touch controls reduce reliance on physical inputs, simplify access to menus and functions and accelerate task flow. The result is faster, more natural interaction that supports better decision-making, especially during high-workload phases of flight.
• Greater processing capacity: Increased computing power enables richer graphics, faster response times and more advanced data integration. Enhanced mapping, synthetic vision and weather visualization provide clearer situational awareness and present data when it matters most.
• Integration with air traffic management: Primus Epic 3.0 supports advanced communication, navigation and surveillance capabilities. This helps operators maintain efficiency, compliance and operational flexibility in increasingly complex environments.

The evolution of Primus Epic reflects a broader change in modern avionics. Flight decks are becoming more connected, software-driven and capable of turning information from multiple systems into relevant, actionable insights for pilots.

Thousands of business jet pilots rely on Primus Epic every day to fly their passengers safely and efficiently from Point A to Point B in industry-leading aircraft manufactured by Gulfstream, Dassault, Embraer, Pilatus and Leonardo.

“Our commitment to them is clear,” Fowlkes said. “We need to preserve what has made Primus Epic aviation’s most innovative and respected flight deck while continuing to evolve to meet the demands and possibilities of the future.”

As Primus Epic continues to evolve, Honeywell Aerospace remains focused on combining proven integrated avionics with the processing power, connectivity, automation and situational awareness capabilities needed for the next generation of flight.