20 May 2019:Viking Air Limited has launched an Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) for the Canadair CL-215T and CL-415 fleet of aerial firefighting aircraft. The programme will incorporate modernised technologies in communications, surveillance, navigation and air-traffic management functionality in an integrated platform which has the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite.
The AUP will utilise modern and reliable COTS systems that will effortlessly interface with specialised mission equipment. The system is made as a complete integrated solution for a harmonised cockpit that will not just meet present regulatory requirements, it will also address future operational and technical requirements over a 25 plus year horizon.
One of the main 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, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, crew alerting system display indicators, ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls offering an alternative to touch screen commands.
A SATCOM system, Weather Radar, Latitude Technologies Ionode System and Auto-Pilot are some of the available options to improve and customise the avionics system based on operator requirements.
Dan Seroussi, Viking's Customer Service & Product Support Programme Director said, "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' fleet longevity for many years to come."
Gregory Davis, Viking's vice president Customer Service and Product Support said, "The Pro Line Fusion's advanced technology will be the backbone for the evolution and support of these incredible aircraft for the next 25 plus years, and I am excited to see this integrated avionics suite 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."