SAVANNAH, Georgia, August 25, 2016 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced it has earned approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to upgrade Gulfstream GIV and GV aircraft with Future Air Navigation System (FANS) over Iridium (FOI) using the TrueNorth Simphonē FANS 1/A+ Data Link Unit (DLU). Once installed, the stand-alone unit enables data connectivity over the Iridium satellite communications (SATCOM) network, allowing for FANS communication in remote coverage areas.
“This is a cost-effective, compact and lightweight FANS 1/A+ data link solution that enhances aircraft operations and safety in congested airspace by providing Iridium connectivity and the reliable, truly worldwide communication that comes with that network,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Product Support. “This system operates as the sole data link service on aircraft without FANS 1/A+-compatible Inmarsat SATCOM installed. On aircraft already fitted with FANS 1/A+-compatible Inmarsat SATCOM, the system functions as a backup data link solution, greatly increasing dispatch reliability because of the redundancy provided.”
Operational mandates require FANS 1/A+ for the most wind-efficient North Atlantic Ocean (NAT) flight tracks. After Jan. 30, 2020, aircraft without FANS 1/A+ will not be permitted to operate in NAT region above 28,000 feet/8,534 meters.
The Gulfstream FOI DLU solution may be incorporated as part of the initial FANS 1/A+ installation or as a follow-on fitment.
The TrueNorth Simphonē FANS-1/A+ DLU and accompanying fuselage-mounted antenna can be installed at any of Gulfstream’s U.S. service centers, which are located in Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia; West Palm Beach, Florida; Westfield, Massachusetts; Appleton, Wisconsin; Dallas; Las Vegas; and Long Beach, California.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 2,500 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the Gulfstream G150TM, the Gulfstream G280TM, the Gulfstream G450TM, the Gulfstream G550TM, the Gulfstream G500TM, the Gulfstream G600TM, the Gulfstream G650TM and the Gulfstream G650ERTM. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft SalesTM. We invite you to visit our website for more information and photos at www.gulfstreamnews.com.
More information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com.
