Bombardier will deliver the Challenger 604 with an improved Rockwell Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite from early 2001, the company said here Tuesday. The improved suite will also be offered for retrofit.

The new system will reduce pilot workload and make the Challenger 604 more compatible with the future air traffic management environment, according to Bombardier and Rockwell Collins. It will also make it possible to perform GPS-guided non-precision approaches worldwide.

Added features include a three-dimensional flight management system (FMS) mapping capability which graphically represents both a vertical and lateral flight profile. The FMS will provide better information for North Atlantic waypoint reporting, and will feature automatic look-up of take-off and landing speeds, weight limits, runway lengths and climb gradients. Safe Flight is also developing a new autothrottle mode for take-off and landing.

Flight tests are under way in Wichita, where the first phase will be completed late this month. Additional tests are scheduled for spring and fall 2000.

By Bill Sweetman