Toronto, Ontario, July 7, 2010. Field Aviation’s most recent STC, Flight Management System (FMS) WAAS/SBAS LPV (Wide Area Augmentation System/ Satellite Based Augmentation System/ Lateral Precision Vertical Guidance), provides a low cost upgrade to existing UNS-1C, C+ and 1E installations by Bombardier, or STC’d by Field Aviation. As this STC is applicable to hundreds of aircraft, non-recurring costs per aircraft have been reduced significantly. Additional FMS models and STC’d installations will be added on an “as required” basis.
Field Aviation’s WAAS/SBAS integration philosophy was founded on the experience gained during an airline fleet Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) precision landing upgrade program with thousands of successful flying hours achieved to date. Field Aviation’s design uses the Dash 8’s existing precision approach flight director/autopilot input, the Microwave Landing System (MLS). With MLS being decommissioned, this naturally provided the opportunity to employ its existing benefits, such as gain control and independent Flight Director annunciations on the existing EFIS and advisory displays. This permits the aircraft to perform optimally during “coupled” LPV approaches at lowest published LPV minimums without limiting the existing cross wind limits of the Dash 8 aircraft.
Extensive WAAS LPV flight testing has proven Field Aviation’s design concept superior, and it has demonstrated the aircraft’s ability to dampen flight control movement as the aircraft approaches the runway threshold, proving a higher degree of safety, efficiency and comfort.
This integration philosophy has the growth potential to cater to further advancements in WAAS / SBAS capabilities which may include full precision approach capabilities. Additional capability will be achieved with Field Aviation’s soon to be released EFI-890R HD flat panel display which is the centre piece of Field’s entire flight deck modernization program for the Dash 8 100/200/300 series.
Over the course of approximately fifteen years, Field has certified the installation of hundreds of Universal Avionics FMS units into the Dash 8 series, including many UNS-1EW installations. The most recent Dash 8 operator to acquire Field Aviation’s WAAS / SBAS with LPV Autopilot coupled capability is the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) for its Flight Inspection Dash 8.
Field Aviation is internationally recognized for its uniquely engineered products and services, and the modification and conversion of aircraft for special application purposes. These capabilities have made Field a world leader in the adaptation of commercial aircraft for special mission use – ranging from flight inspection to electronic surveillance to maritime patrol. Maritime Surveillance Aircraft that Field Aviation have modified are today flying with customers throughout the world.
The Company also designs, engineers and integrates VIP and corporate shuttle interior completions for ‘Regional Class’ aircraft, manufactures airframe parts and accessories for current production commercial aircraft including the Bombardier Q400 and the new Viking Twin Otter Series 400, and continues to support numerous out-of-production aircraft with low volume parts, assemblies and components.
