Wed, Aug 03, 2016
First Aircraft Delivered Will Enter Service With Australia’s Maritime Authority This Month
Field Aviation has delivered the third of four missionized Challenger aircraft to Cobham Aviation Services. These aircraft are to provide enhanced search and rescue capabilities in support of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) operations, with the first aircraft entering service in August, 2016.
Field Aviation designed, installed, flight tested, and certified structural, electrical and aerodynamic changes to the aircraft. These included a lavatory, galley, and cabin area reconfiguration, as well as the installation of the sensor provisions and aerodynamic modifications. Cobham Aviation Services completes the aircraft with the installation of sensors and a mission management system once they arrive in Australia.
Cooperation between the two companies creates a highly-advanced turnkey solution for AMSA, with jets that have been specially modified to incorporate:
- New generation sensors and SAR equipment
- Two belly radomes (search radar and direction finding system)
- Retractable EO/IR camera located in the tail of the aircraft
- Conformal enlarged observation windows
- A missionized interior
- An air operable cargo door
Field Aviation has a long history with Cobham Aviation Services on the Australian Border Protection program. This history, along with Field’s experience modifying Bombardier Challenger aircraft for the Royal Danish Air Force and Boeing’s Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) program, made Field Aviation the ideal choice for this project.
“Field Aviation is the global leader in missionizing the Bombardier Challenger platform and we are very excited to see these aircraft enter service this year with our long term partner, Cobham Aviation Services,” said Brian Love, Field Aviation’s chief operating officer. “Our partnership with Cobham extends beyond the initial delivery of these missionized aircraft as we will continue to support the aircraft throughout their service life.”
(Image provided with Field Aviation news release)
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