Victoria, British Columbia, March 18, 2019: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia has launched an Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) for the Canadair CL-215T and CL-415 fleet of aerial firefighting aircraft. The program will incorporate modernized technologies in communications, navigation, surveillance, and air-traffic management functionality in an integrated platform featuring the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.
To face challenges with supportability and end-of-life components inherent with aging technology, the AUP will utilize modern and reliable COTS systems that will easily interface with specialized mission equipment. The system is designed as a complete integrated solution for a harmonized cockpit that will not only meet current regulatory requirements, it will also address future operational and technical requirements over a 25+ year horizon.
The standardized cockpit will feature an ergonomic flight deck with three large LCD displaysand low instrument footprint for enhanced Flight Data Visualization that will help reduce pilot workload and provide focused information in a streamlined, simplified cockpit design.
A key component of the AUP is the introduction of the Collins Pro Line Fusion digital avionics suite, a FAR/Part 25 certified scalable software-based system. The avionics suite’s core configuration features Flight Director, Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision, crew alerting system display indicators, and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls providing an alternative to touch screen commands.
A SATCOM system, Latitude Technologies Ionode System, Weather Radar, and Auto-Pilot are few of the available options to further enhance and customize the avionics system based on operator requirements.
Dan Seroussi, Viking’s Customer Service & Product Support Program Director, stated, “The Canadair Aerial Firefighters are at the heart of Viking’s development strategy. These aircraft have incredible operational capabilities, and their versatility will allow them to accomplish a variety of missions in the future. We’re confident that not only will the Collins Pro Line Fusion Avionics suite help address the obsolescence issues and new regulatory requirements currently facing operators of CL-215T and CL-415 aircraft, it will also extend operators’ fleetlongevity for many years to come.”
Gregory Davis, Viking’s vice president Customer Service and Product Support, added, “ThePro Line Fusion’s advanced technology will be the backbone for the evolution and support ofthese incredible aircraft for the next 25+ years, and I am excited to see this integrated avionicssuite equipping current CL fleets as well as the new Viking CL-415EAF Enhanced Aerial Firefighter. This system will also form the basis for any new production aircraft, allowing for seamless interoperability and maintainability between new and legacy aircraft.”
The AUP will initially be offered as an upgrade to operators of CL-215T or CL-415 who can select either a complete modification including the supply and installation of the avionics suite,or as a parts kit for installation by an approved Maintenance Repair Organization.
About Collins Aerospace:
Collins Aerospace, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Created in 2018 by bringing together UTC Aerospace Systems and Rockwell Collins, Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit www.CollinsAerospace.com.
About Viking Air Limited:
Headquartered in Victoria, BC, Viking is the global leader in utility aircraft services, and the manufacturer of the world-renowned Series 400 Twin Otter. Viking is the Original Type Certificate holder for all out-of-production de Havilland aircraft, DHC-1 through the DHC-7, and provides exclusive spare parts manufacturing and product support for the legacy de Havilland fleet. In 2007 Viking launched the Twin Otter Series 400 production program, and to date newViking aircraft have sold to 30 countries worldwide.
In 2016, Viking acquired the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for the Canadair CL-215, CL- 215T, and CL-415 aircraft. With this transfer, Viking assumed responsibility for all product support for the global fleet of 170 aerial firefighters.
Viking is managed by Longview Aviation Capital and forms part of the portfolio of a prominent Canadian family investment firm that maintains a long-term investment horizon and is one of the leading investors in the Canadian aviation industry. For additional information, please visit www.vikingair.com.
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