Garrett Launches 'Electric Falcon'

Garrett Aviation Services is certificating an all-glass cockpit upgrade for the Dassault Falcon 20B based on its previously certified Collins Pro Line 4 update.

The modernization replaces dozens of electromechanical instruments and controls with three new Universal Avionics Flat Panel Integrated Displays, stacked in the center panel. The new avionics architecture includes dual Universal UNS-1D flight management systems and the company's Unilink two-way, air-to-ground datalink.

Cost for an all-up modification, including Pro Line 4 displays and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), is about $1.9 million, according to Michael Anderson, director of avionics. System interface is nearing completion and initial installation has begun, he said. Certification is planned for March 1999.

In addition to providing redundancy to the four main flight information screens, the five-by-six-inch Universal displays show engine instrumentation, landing gear, cabin altitude, oil pressure and fuel flow information. Functionality is the same or better than the electromechanical instruments the screens replace. Instrumentation symbology includes green, yellow and red color-coding, and digital readouts.

A reversionary mode combines essential aircraft system information with a mini-attitude heading and reference system display. It functions for four hours in emergency power-out situations, adding to pilot comfort levels during transatlantic crossings.

By Paul Proctor