Collins and Bombardier Offer Challenger Avionics Upgrade

Rockwell Collins and Bombardier Aerospace have introduced the PrecisionPlus avionics upgrade for the Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft.

The upgrade recently received certification from Transport Canada and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

The PrecisionPlus upgrade enhances the operational efficiency of the aircraft's Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite and increases crew situational awareness. It was integrated into production aircraft beginning in June 2001 and is now available to current Challenger 604 operators through a combination of Rockwell Collins and Bombardier service bulletins.

Highlights of the upgrade include integrated Flight Management System (FMS) Vspeeds, engine thrust management and increased Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) functionality. Optional features include a 3-D flight plan map and expanded flight data recorder parameters to meet new FAR Part 135 requirements.

The optional 3-D flight plan map capability provides an intuitive three-dimensional graphical representation of the programmed flight plan and predicted flight path on the aircraft's multifunction displays. The option includes an FMS cruise speed feature providing a target speed computation based on flight manual data to enable maximum range or highest-speed flight to the desired destination.

Bombardier says PrecisionPlus will pare pilot workload by reducing the need for performance charts, while preventing error and prolonging engine life by improving thrust management. The standard retrofit is free of charge.