Viking Names Cascade Aerospace as Integrator and 2nd Program Partner for Aerial Firefighter Avionics Upgrade Program

Pictured above: The proposed layout of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics suite to be featured in the Viking Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP).

Paris, France, June 20th, 2019: Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia has signed a contract with Cascade Aerospace of Abbotsford, British Columbia naming it as integrator for Viking’s Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) on Canadair CL-215T and CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft. The announcement makes Cascade the second contributor to join the Avionics Upgrade Program.

The contract calls for Cascade to complete the design, installation, testing and certification of the AUP on two prototypes, a CL-415 and a CL-215T, and the completion of ten post-STC AUP installations at Cascade’s facilities. The contract also includes Cascade’s production of forty “A-Kits” consisting of structural components, wiring harnesses and other permanently-installed items that link together the new flight controls, navigation and communication systems being provided by Collins Aerospace as “B-Kits”.

As part of the certification, Cascade will develop the detailed production process, including drawings, task cards and kitting activity that will marry the A-Kit with the B-Kit through clearly defined and efficient sequenced instructions for subsequent installations.

“Based on Viking’s longstanding relationship working with Cascade on the Series 400 Twin Otter program, combined with their extensive experience upgrading Canadair CL-215s to turbine configuration, Cascade was a natural choice to welcome as a key contributor to the Viking AUP,” commented Dan Seroussi, director of the program for Viking. “Their specialization in aircraft modification, particularly with avionics upgrades, and their experience with Canadair aerial firefighters gave them a clear advantage.”

“We are thrilled to be conducting this new program for Viking, a key long-term OEM partner of ours,” said Kevin Lemke, Cascade executive vice president & COO. “This exciting program is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate our strengths as a company with highly skilled and experienced people, and to continue to forge relationships with Viking, Longview Aviation, and Collins Aerospace.”

In 2018, through Viking’s sister-company Longview Aviation Services, Cascade was awarded a contract to assist with the CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” update and conversion program, including conducting the first aircraft modification using Viking-supplied conversion kits and providing on-site process training to Longview personnel.

Viking Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP)

To face challenges with supportability and end-of-life components inherent with aging technology, the AUP utilizes modern and reliable COTS systems that will easily interface with specialized mission equipment. The system is designed as a complete integrated solution for a harmonized cockpit that will not only meet current regulatory requirements, it will also address future operational and technical requirements over a 25+ year horizon.

A key component of the AUP is the introduction of the Collins Pro Line Fusion digital avionics suite, a FAR/Part 25 certified scalable software-based system. The avionics suite’s core configuration includes Flight Director, Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision, crew alerting system display indicators, and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls providing an alternative to touch screen commands. A SATCOM system, multiband radio, weather radar, datalink, and auto-pilot are few of the available options to further enhance and customize the avionics system based on operator requirements.

The AUP will initially be offered as an upgrade to operators of CL-215T or CL-415 who can select either a complete modification including the supply and installation of the avionics suite, or as a parts kit for installation by an approved Maintenance Repair Organization.

Cascade Aerospace

Cascade Aerospace, an operating unit of IMP Aerospace & Defence, is a leading Canadian specialty aerospace contractor that provides long-term integrated aircraft fleet support and program management, aircraft maintenance, modification, engineering services & integrated logistics support to domestic and international military, government, and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.cascadeaerospace.com.

Lockheed Martin And Airbus Reaffirm Tanker Partnership At 2019 Paris Air Show

LE BOURGET, France, June 20, 2019/PRNewswire/ -- With an agreement in place to explore U.S. military tanking opportunities, Airbus and Lockheed Martin senior executive leaders met for some "tanker talk" during the 2019 Paris Air Show. The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (A330 MRTT) provided the perfect backdrop for the meeting with (l to r) Alberto Gutierrez, Head of Military Aircraft, Airbus Defence and Space; Michele Evans, Executive Vice President of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, and Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.

"Since signing our Memorandum of Agreement with Airbus last December, our teams have been working to expand our business relationship with a focus on providing the U.S. Air Force with the very best capability in aerial refueling," said Michele Evans, Executive Vice President for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "We believe with Airbus' and Lockheed Martin's expertise in air refueling and innovative, combat-tested technologies such as low observability and networking operations, we make a powerful team to address the U.S. Air Force's tanker needs today and into the future."

Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said: "The relationship with Lockheed Martin through this exciting project is growing day by day, and we're looking forward to presenting our offer to the U.S. military in the near future. Our A330MRTT has been refueling U.S. military aircraft on combat missions since 2014, and together with Lockheed Martin's proven record serving the U.S. Air Force we truly believe we can offer unbeatable capabilities."

"We have said it before and I can only repeat it – the A330MRTT is the most successful and most capable tanker platform in the world. It has proven its versatility and capability time and again. It is a tremendous asset for any military, including the U.S.," said Alberto Gutiérrez, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus.

This and other press releases and high resolution photos are available on: AirbusMedia

Visit our Paris Air Show page to stay updated on Airbus presence at Le Bourget.

EASA certifies Safran Arrano 1A engine powering H160 helicopter

Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, 18 June 2019

Safran Helicopter Engines has received EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) Type Certification for its Arrano 1A engine, installed in the Airbus Helicopters H160. Arrano is a new generation engine in the 1,100 to 1,300 shp power range, perfectly suited for new four-to-six tonne helicopters. The H160 made its first flight with the Arrano in January 2016.

Arrano Program Director Cyrille Ressejac-Duparc said, “we are proud to announce Arrano certification here at le Bourget. This engine lies at the vanguard of Safran Helicopter Engines’ new engine range and its performance is unrivalled. It features low operational and support costs, easy maintenance and a lower environmental footprint. After a test campaign of 10,000 hours, including 2,000 in flight, we are now ready to support H160 entry-into-service. Safran Helicopter Engines is also strongly committed to developing the HIL (Hélicoptères Interarmées Légers) military variant”.

“Arrano is a major asset of the H160 and one that is  fully aligned with the programme’s overall ambition of bringing innovations for greater customer satisfaction, thanks to its lower fuel consumption, its high level of performance, and its maintenance plan that has been harmonized with that of the helicopter’s, . Its certification passes a new milestone on the helicopter’s entry-into-service roadmap”, said Bernard Fujarski, Airbus Helicopters H160 Program Director.

Arrano integrates the best in aero-engine technologies. Its innovative design features a new-generation digital control system that offers greater in-flight responsiveness, enhancing both safety and pilot handling. It combines a highly efficient two-stage centrifugal compressor, developed within the European Clean Sky program, with new-design variable inlet guide vanes (IGV). Through improving the engine’s thermal efficiency, these components contribute to reducing fuel consumption by 15%, over other in-service engines. The gyratory combustion chamber features fuel injectors made using additive manufacturing (3D-printing) techniques. These enhance engine start performance in all weathers and altitudes, and contribute to reducing emissions. 

The Arrano has been designed with simple maintenance in mind, and components and accessories are easy to access, disassemble and exchange. Servicing time is half that of previous generation engines. Operators also benefit from new digital services from Safran Helicopter Engines, including an electronic engine logbook (BOOST) and engine-life data tracking (Health Monitoring). 

Leonardo: LoI with Suzuyo paves the way for the first AW139 Level D Full Flight Simulator installation in Japan

- The  Letter  of  Intent  foresees  the  installation  of  an  AW139  Level  D  Full  Flight Simulator  (FFS)  at  Mt.  Fuji  Shizuoka  Airport  that  will  be  operated  by  Suzuyo’s subsidiary  SACC 

- The initiative  follows  the  supply  of  EMS  helicopters  to  SACC  and  the  recent  opening of  a  Service  Centre  ranked ‘Excellent’  under  stringent  service  quality  requirements  

- Nearly 60  AW139s are in service  in Japan  today  performing  a  wide  range of  missions  

Paris,  18  June  2019  –  Leonardo  and  Suzuyo & Co.  Ltd.  (Suzuyo)  of  Japan  announced  at the  Paris  Air  Show  today  the  signing  of  a  Letter  of  Intent  (LoI)  for  the  purchase  of  an AW139  Level  D  FFS  for  the  AW139  intermediate  twin  engine  helicopter  in  the  country. The  simulator  would  be  installed  in  a  dedicated  facility  at  Mt.  Fuji  Shizuoka  Airport  and  operated by  Suzuyo’s  subsidiary  Shizuoka Air  Commuter  Corporation  (SACC).

The  setup  of  the  first  Level  D  FFS  for  AW139  helicopter  in  Japan  would  further  strengthen and  add  one  more  diversified  business  in  the  partnership  between  Leonardo  and  Suzuyo. SACC  has  introduced  into  service  various  helicopters  to  support  emergency  medical  services  in Japan  in  the  framework  of  the  Doctor  Heli  system  programme  which  is  intended  to  provide modern  airborne  EMS  coverage  to  all  prefectures  in  Japan.  Earlier  this  year,  SACC  also established  the  first  Service  Centre  in  Japan  ranked  ‘Excellent’  under  Leonardo’s  guidelines, that  is  focused  on  maintaining  third  party  fleets  and  having  the  largest  scope  of  service capabilities  for  the  successful  AW109  light  twin series and AW139  in  Japan.  

With  nearly  60  AW139s  in  service  in  Japan  today  performing  a  wide  range  of  roles  such as  law  enforcement,  search  and  rescue  over  land  and  sea,  firefighting  and  electronic newsgathering,  the  provision  of  pilot  training  services  combining  a  FFS  and  other  training  tools and  distance  learning  capabilities  at  SACC  will  further  reinforce  the  level  of  service  provided  to existing  and future  operators  of  the  most  successful  helicopter  in  its  category.  This  initiative  is  in line  with Leonardo’s  Industrial  Plan  to deliver  a  greater  range  of  services  closer  to  its  customers.   

With  a  world  network  of  over  15  different  locations  including  Helicopter  Training Academies  and  Authorized  Service  Centres,  over  10,000  students  trained  and  more  than 41,000  helicopter  simulator  flight  hours  logged  in  2018,  Leonardo  is  extending  its  global support  reach  to  maximise mission  effectiveness  and safety  of  operations.