Infrared Night Vision Successfully Installed on GIV

The FAA has approved the use of the Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A data link on Gulfstream G450 aircraft. Gulfstream is the first large-cabin business-jet manufacturer to receive such approval. FANS was developed to address air-traffic control's ability to handle a dramatic increase in aircraft traffic. The system uses automation and satellite-based navigation to improve aviation communication, navigation, surveillance and traffic management.

The ability to use FANS 1/A applies to G450 aircraft equipped with the enhanced navigation package, which is available as part of Certification Foxtrot for Gulfstream's PlaneView flight deck. The enhanced package adds Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) to Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Contract (ADS-C), completing the aircraft's FANS 1/A capability.

"This approval reflects the tremendous effort we've made toward preparing Gulfstream aircraft for the next generation of air navigation," said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. "Being able to offer ADS-C and CPDLC to our operators is important because they provide improved communications and operational efficiency. Our operators value that and we do, too."

CPDLC/ADS-C provides flight crews with direct communication to oceanic and remote-area air- traffic controllers. It enhances safety because it automatically reports when an aircraft deviates from its cleared altitude and route. It also provides meteorological data from the aircraft's sensors.

Crews using the data link log on to the air-traffic system computer, which allows it to exchange information with ground-based computers. Those computers automatically transfer responsibility for the aircraft to the next region's air-traffic system as the aircraft travels along its route. This eliminates the need for crews to use radio operators and high-frequency radios to request clearances and provide position reports.
 
ADS-C allows an air-traffic controller to initiate the tracking of an aircraft's position from the ground using information sent at predetermined intervals from the jet's onboard sensors.

Certification Foxtrot's enhanced navigation package offers improved navigational performance, increased efficiency and greater access through an upgraded Flight Management System (FMS). In addition to FANS capability, the upgrade includes redundant electronic terminal charts for paperless dispatch, upgraded Inertial Reference Units (IRUs) to enable High Step 1, Wide Area Augmentation System-Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (WAAS-LPV), and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) below 0.3.

Meanwhile, a Kollsman General Aviation Vision System (GAViS)  has been successfully installed on a Gulfstream GIV aircraft. The device is now available for GV, GIV and GIII models.

The infrared camera system provides pilots with improved situational awareness at night and in low-visibility conditions. Mounted within the upper nose radome, it supplies enhanced imagery of airports, air traffic, terrain, taxiways, wildlife and runway conditions. This enables pilots to see objects that might otherwise be obscured by darkness, rain, light fog or other factors.

Images can be displayed on a CD-820 flight management system control and display unit or another approved aircraft device, such as an electronic flight bag. The system can also interface with many existing video-capable head-down displays.

"Gulfstream pioneered enhanced vision for its in-production large-cabin aircraft," said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. "This is our way of providing similar capabilities to operators of our earlier aircraft. It's an excellent option for operators who want to enhance safety by increasing their situational awareness both in the air and on the ground."

FMI: www.gulfstream.com