GKN Fokker Services, part of GKN Aerospace, has been granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by EASA for its ADS-B Out modification for Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
The certificate allows GKN Fokker Services to carry out the modification to ADS-B Out on Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft ahead of the deadline for implementing the technology. The new Version 2 (DO260B), ADS-B Out system will become mandatory in 2020 in Europe, USA, UAE and various other countries.
ADS-B Out (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast) is a common system on-board many aircraft that automatically broadcasts relevant data from the aircraft towards air traffic management organisations. ADS-B Out data includes the identity of the aircraft, the GPS location and direction of flight.
The modification involves an upgrade or replacement of two major cockpit systems: the ATC Transponder and GPS Receiver. This will enable optimisation of the airspace and minimise the use of ground radar stations.
In the next decade, most of the airspace throughout the globe will be using ADS-B as the primary means of surveillance, replacing radar. This will include the oceanic environment (Satellite ADS-B).
GKN Fokker Services already holds STC’s for Bombardier Q400 and the Airbus A320 Family and is looking to extend its ADS-B Out programme to other aircraft types including the Boeing 737 Classic, 747, 757 and 767 as well as the Bombardier Dash 8 Classic.
Product Manager ADS-B Out at GKN Fokker Services, Erik Lous, states: “We are once again pleased with our new STC for ADS-B Out, this time for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Our ADS-B Out modification will allow our customers to modify their aircraft very cost-effectively and with a minimum of downtime, typically during just one or two overnight checks. Furthermore, with our STC, the customer has the option to replace the existing transponders with transponders from different vendors”
