Will Make The Training Aircraft Compliant With FAA ADS-B Requirements

Field Aerospace began flight deck modernization of the first of 178 U.S. Air Force (USAF) T-1A trainer aircraft in August. All 178 aircraft, in addition to 30 training devices, will receive this avionics upgrade.

Experienced technicians started working on the first T-1A aircraft shortly after its arrival at Field Aerospace’s Oklahoma City facility as part of the USAF’s approved integration plan for the upgrade. This modernization program will bring the fleet into compliance with FAA National Airspace System mandates and address increasing obsolescence problems.

“The arrival of the first T-1A for modification is an exciting step in the process to provide a modern flight deck and training system for the service men and women who will become our future aircrews,” said Field Aerospace’s Oklahoma City vice president and general manager, John Taylor. “Our team of seasoned installers and mechanics ensure that aircraft are modified to meet or exceed all applicable FAA standards and are delivered with the highest level of quality.”

Field Aerospace’s $155.7 million T-1A contract with the USAF includes upgrading the avionics on the entire fleet and 30 training devices to a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21TM system. Field Aerospace, with subcontractors Nextant Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, HEBCO, and FlightSafety International, will deliver all programmatic development, certification, equipment, installation, and training. It is a turnkey avionics modification program that will standardize the flight deck and classroom simulator training.

Key program milestones accomplished so far include completion of the commercial-off-the-shelf avionics solution, USAF review and approval of that solution via a critical integration review, induction of the first aircraft, and completion of removals to prepare the aircraft for installation.

This upgrade enables the Air Force to meet the FAA’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance -Broadcast (ADS-B) Out mandate to support the training aircraft’s standing requirement to access the National Airspace System. The U.S. Air Force formally awarded the small business program to Field Aerospace on February 14 as the result of a competitive acquisition.

(Image provided with Field Aerospace news release)

FMI: www.fieldav.com