Upgrade Package Will Provide Significantly Increased Functionality

Since the Series 400 Twin Otter’s first introduction in 2010, Viking has been working with supply chain partners to continuously improve the quality and conformity of components and systems throughout the aircraft. The most notable example of this product development initiative is the Phase II Avionics upgrade to the Series 400 Twin Otter’s Honeywell Primus Apex fully integrated digital avionics suite.

The Phase II avionics upgrade package will provide significantly increased functionality of the Honeywell Primus Apex system on the Series 400 Twin Otter, including: 3-Axis Autopilot, Terrain Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) II, FAA-compatible engine instrument display, Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), Coupled Vertical Navigation (VNAV), Localizer Performance with Vertical (LPV) guidance, Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out), SmartView Synthetic Vision System, and 512-word Flight Data Recorder (FDR).

Final design and testing work on the Phase II package was completed in July, with the FAA granting Honeywell a Technical Standard Order (TSO) in mid-September. Viking has submitted the upgrade package to Transport Canada for regulatory approval and expects certification to be received before the end of 2015.

Once Canadian regulatory approval has been received, Viking will apply to international regulators for validation in each country where the Series 400 Twin Otter is currently in operation. While approval time for each country will vary, Viking expects to receive full international validation of the Phase II upgrade package by mid-2016.

Phase II Avionics upgrades will be made available for existing Series 400 Twin Otter operators through Viking’s Global Customer Support group, with in-service retrofits and training scheduled upon receipt of approval from the operator’s local regulator.

(Image provided by Viking)

FMI: www.vikingair.com