Would Convert A Business Jet Into An Airborne Test Bed

Field Aerospace has secured a contract with an undisclosed customer to complete the initial design phase to modify a Gulfstream GIV-SP aircraft into an airborne test platform, which could lead to additional contracts to perform two subsequent phases.

 
Field Aerospace won the Phase I initial design contract through a competitive bid for the three-phase program. Phase II is the critical design stage and Phase III is the fabrication, installation, testing and FAA certification.
 
During the performance period that begins in the spring, Field Aerospace’s engineering team will design a solution to convert the GIV-SP aircraft from a corporate transport into an aircraft capable of safely performing a variety of scientific investigations, as well as system verification and validation in an airborne environment.
 
For the initial design phase, Field Aerospace will design many exterior and interior mechanical and electrical modifications which incorporate various sensors and mission systems, using an adaptable architecture which allows the addition of new capabilities in the future.
 
“This program represents a unique opportunity that allows Field Aerospace to further develop a relationship that was started with our customer many years ago on a previous airborne test platform, and utilizes our expert skill set to produce another very versatile research platform,” said John Taylor, vice president and general manager of Field Aerospace’s Oklahoma City location. “We are confident that our initial design will lead to securing the next two phases, which are within our core capabilities.”

(Source: Field Aerospace news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.fieldaero.com