Estimated reading time 4 minutes, 24 seconds.
Mid-Canada Mod Center (MC2) is pleased to announce completion and delivery of another new STC – this one being a CL604 FANS upgrade.
This new mod and upgrade features the following notable and key avionics components:
- Universal UNS-1LW FMS, five-inch FMS CDU located in the center pedestal.
- Universal CVR120R CVR, replacing the existing Fairchild CVR
- Universal UL 801 CMU
- Universal Solid State Data Transfer Unit
- Miltope Printer
- True North Avionics TN1007-100 Data Link Unit
The Universal Avionics UL-801 Communications Management Unit provides superior operations and control of digital communications between the pilot and Air Traffic Controller (ATC) in the exceedingly complex Communication, Navigation, Surveillance (CNS) Air Traffic Management (ATM) environment.
Developed in full compliance with DO-178B Level C guidelines, the UniLink UL-800/801 CMU also meets FANS 1/A+ standards.
As it is the only Iridium Data Link Unit that meets the required TSO C159 at this time, MC2 also incorporated the True North Avionics TN1007-100 Iridium Data Link Unit for this mod.
FANS Over Iridium (FOI) is a much less expensive alternative to the use INMARSAT data for FANS data link communications.
The MC2 system was tested for interference against an existing INMARSAT Swift Broadband system so that there would be no limitation preventing its use during FANS operations.
In speaking about this mod, MC2 vice president Bill Arsenault said: “The Challenger 604 has become a business aviation standard around the world. Adding new capability to an aircraft “fleet” as large as this one brings operational advantages and cost efficiencies that owners will quickly realize.
“FANS essentially deals with crew to ATC communications. Having a separate Control Display Unit frees up the existing CDUs to be used for their intended purpose; navigating the aircraft. Nearly all airliners that are presently being certified for FANS utilize a separate CPDLC CDU for this function. Our latest STC was designed around this philosophy.”
The launch customer for this cutting-edge MC2 mod is an aircraft operated by Toronto-based MX Aerospace. This STC will be made available to other 604 operators. It will additionally be offered and as a “kit” to avionics shops that are Universal Avionics Authorized Dealers.
The MC2 CL604 FANS STC is in essence a stand-alone system designed to interface to, but not be totally reliant on, the existing legacy Collins Proline 4 avionics. The key components include a Universal Avionics Flight Management System with integral WAAS GPS sensor.
The FMS Control Display Unit allows crew input for all data link communications. A printer is installed to provide “hard copies” of all the data link messages that are received.
The CVR-120R system records the area microphone, pilot and copilot audio channels as well as all data link communications. This fully conforms to the worldwide regulations.
Additionally ATC annunciators “advise” the crew of incoming data link requests. There is also an interfaced audible warning voice that alerts the crew to incoming data link messages.
Installation of this 604 FANS mod can be fitted into legacy 604 aircraft and does not require the addition of WAAS LPV upgrades. It also does not involve the replacement of existing legacy equipment such as Flight Management System Computers or Control Display Units.
Of final note, with this mod there is no need for reverting from a Controller Pilot Data Link Communications FANS flight, back to voice, in the event that one of the legacy FMS’ was to fail while en route.
