Press Release

Issued by Collins Aerospace - Avionics.

October 5, 2015

Rockwell Collins has received a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certificate (STC) for its Future Airspace Navigation Systems (FANS) 1/A upgrade for Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft equipped with Pro Line 4 avionics. The solution is available now through Rockwell Collins authorized dealers.

The upgrade makes installation and training straightforward for operators by building on the aircraft's current flight management system (FMS) and control display units (CDUs), while incorporating a new communications management unit provided by Rockwell Collins. For operators requiring satcom, Rockwell Collins does offer a solution that provides flight crews with reliable voice and data communications over all regions, including oceanic.

With FANS 1/A, Challenger 604 aircraft operators will have access to preferred wind-efficient transatlantic routes to save both time and fuel. 

“This is the most cost-effective FANS 1/A upgrade available for the Challenger 604,” said Craig Olson, vice president and general manager, business and regional systems for Rockwell Collins. “Installation is relatively quick, which brings labor costs down. Also, training is reduced since pilots will already be familiar with the FMS and CDU that will remain.”

Rockwell Collins' FANS 1/A upgrade offering goes beyond hardware and includes:

• A one-year subscription to Rockwell Collins' ARINCDirect premium flight planning solution and mobile application with ARINCDirect, operators will gain FANS 1/A Federal Aviation Administration letter of authorization assistance, best-in-class flight planning, weather, VHF/satcom data link connectivity and 24/7 global support

• Interactive flight crew training with real-time feedback to improve understanding of the FANS environment.

Rockwell Collins has already fielded several other FANS 1/A solutions for business aircraft, including more than 300 new Pro Line Fusion equipped Bombardier Global 5000 and Global 6000, and Gulfstream G280 aircraft. The company's FANS 1/A solution is also part of Bombardier's Pro Line 21 “Advanced” flight deck for new Challenger 350 and Challenger 650 aircraft, and aftermarket Challenger 300 and Challenger 605 aircraft. Additionally, the company has announced FANS 1/A availability for Falcon 50EX and 2000 operators with its Pro Line 4-to-21 flight deck upgrade.