RUAG Aviation has successfully upgraded the
avionics baseline of a Bombardier Challenger CL601 to comply with regulatory
mandates for 2020 and beyond.
The first upgrade of this kind completed in
Europe, the ADS-B Out, FMS 6.1 and LPV requirements were met in full ahead of
compliance deadlines. The integration of the avionics upgrades was carried out
at RUAG Aviation’s Bombardier Authorized Service Center facilities in Munich,
Germany, during a scheduled heavy maintenance visit.
“This is a milestone on behalf of our
customer, as well as on behalf of all operators of older aircraft,” said
Volker Wallrodt,
Senior Vice President Business Jets, Dornier 228 & Components, RUAG Aviation.
“For aircraft like the Challenger CL601, flying with ADS-B today provides pilots
with a number of immediate benefits, yet it also ensures the aircraft is
equipped to fly after December 31, 2019. Equipping older aircraft with ADS-B
transponders improves operational flexibility and preserves investment, well
past 2020 requirements, because it allows those aircraft to continue to operate
reliably and profitably while adhering to the latest aviation regulations with
state-of-the-art technology.”
The engineering specialists at RUAG Aviation
integrate complete solutions for older aircraft, like the Bombardier Challenger
CL601 and Dassault Falcon 900, to meet the full scope of European Aviation
Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration standards for ADS-B, including
the later DO-260B.
The scope of the Bombardier Challenger CL601
avionics project included wiring, modifications and new mechanical and
electrical installations, as well as the upgrade of existing transponders to
comply with the DO-260B (V2) standard for ADS-B Out. The upgrade also introduced
the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) for Global Positioning System (GPS)
sensors and the new FMZ 2000 Flight Management System software version 6.1..
Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A+ and Protected Mode Controller Pilot
Data Link Communications (PM-CPDLC) are set to follow for the same aircraft.
“Our customers appreciate our thorough
engineering know-how and integration expertise,” continued Wallrodt. “They also
know, that with RUAG, they can rely on outstanding support for their newer and
ageing aircraft from a proven and independent services provider.” In fact,
engineering is at the center of RUAG Aviation’s capabilities. The company is an
EASA Part 145 Maintenance Organization, a Part 21G and 21J Design Organization
(DOA), and it retains FAA approvals, all to ensure full maintenance and support
services for the spectrum of business aircraft.
The avionics upgrade for the Challenger CL601
was combined with a scheduled MRO event, also managed by RUAG. This optimized
downtime enabled the business jet owner to achieve significant savings on both
time and budget.
“The 2020 compliance date is approaching fast.
We are dedicated to continuing to offer highly effective engineering solutions
for aircraft in service ahead of the date limits,” said
Ralf Ott,
Senior Manager Sales & Customer Support, RUAG Aviation. He asserts, “We
recommend that all operators, and especially operators of older aircraft, begin
the upgrade process as soon as possible to ensure individual schedules and
operations can continue as planned.”
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