Avionics Installation Includes EFI-890R AFD, MMMS, And TAWS

The first of two Universal Avionics equipped Fairchild C-26 Metroliner aircraft has been delivered to customer.  The upgrade was completed by Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. of Springfield, MO with Program Management provided by W4 Limited, LP, Fort Worth, TX.

The installation includes three EFI-890R Advanced Flight Displays, dual UNS-1Fw Multi-Missions Management Systems (MMMS) with 4-inch Flat Panel Control Display Units (FPCDU) and Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS). The second C-26 aircraft is currently being modified with the same Universal equipment.

“Commercial derivative aircraft such as the C-26 provide an important special mission capability to government and military users both in the US and our partner nations,” said Bob Sanchez, Universal Avionics Military and Government Program Development Manager – USA and Latin America. “The avionics modernizations that were accomplished on these aircraft allow the C-26 to meet all of its critical mission taskings in a safe, efficient and cost effective manner, while at the same time, eliminating equipment obsolescence issues on these aircraft,” he added. “Universal Avionics is pleased to play a small part in ensuring these aircraft can continue to provide defense and security for their area of responsibility.”

“Full system installation will be available with FAA STC approval scheduled for 3rd quarter 2016 completion for the Fairchild  SA227 and C26 aircraft, providing operators and flight crew with greatly enhanced safety, navigation and monitoring capabilities,” said Alan Fox, Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. Avionics Manager. “This modification really breathes new life into the Fairchild Metro/Merlin fleet for the special mission operators,” said Jim McClean, President of Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. Additionally, he stated, “working with both the W4 management team and the Universal Avionics folks provided solid direction, exceptional support and effective solutions, culminating into what we believe will be a great product for the military and special mission market segments.”

“As is true with virtually all major upgrades and modifications, we did experience some rather challenging technical issues with the first aircraft," said John Hawthorne, W4 Limited’s Sr. Director of Operations. "None of these issues were related to the Universal equipment; nevertheless, Universal’s Frank Jehle worked closely with Worldwide, which considerably shortened the integration process. To say Universal’s customer support goes above and beyond is an understatement. The first airplane has been operational for over six months with no service difficulty attributable to the Universal installation.”

The EFI-890R Advanced Flight Display installation includes two Primary Flight Displays and one Navigation Display (ND). Offering exceptional situational awareness, TAWS provides a terrain display image to the EFI-890R ND. Using inputs from the dual UNS-1Fw MMMS and internal terrain database, TAWS provides basic Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) and terrain alerts. GPS, terrain and obstacle alerts provide the crew with aural and visual indications of possible inadvertent flight into terrain or obstacles.

The MMMS incorporates the advanced technology, system design, features and capabilities included in Universal Avionics Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS)-enabled Flight Management System (FMS). The MMMS provides maritime and other surveillance operators with special interfaces and the ability to fly multiple distinct search patterns.

The MMMS provides navigation and steering data, including the ability to fly LPV approaches, to the EFI-890R Advanced Flight Display and the dual King KFC 400 Digital Automatic Control System installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA2060CE-D. This is the first dual SBAS MMMS/EFI-890R and KFC-400 aircraft interface.

(Image provided with Universal Avionics news release)

FMI: www.uasc.com