RUAG Aviation has become the first company in Europe to successfully complete the upgraded avionics baseline of a Bombardier Challenger CL601 to comply with regulatory mandates for 2020 and beyond.
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 and the ADS-B Out, FMS 6.1 and LPV requirements were met in full ahead of compliance deadlines.
“This is a milestone on behalf of our customer, as well as on behalf of all operators of older aircraft,” stated 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 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,” said Wallrodt. “They also know that with RUAG, they can rely on outstanding support for their newer and aging aircraft from a proven and independent services provider.”
The avionics upgrade for the Challenger CL601 was combined with a scheduled maintenance, repair and overhaul (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,” explained Ralf Ott, senior manager sales and customer support, RUAG Aviation. “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.”
