Aerospace

GKN obtains CAAC STC for ADS-B Out modification on Boeing Next-Gen 737

Posted 1 September 2020

The CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China Aircraft Airworthiness Department) has issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to GKN Fokker Services for ADS-B Out modification for Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

Image courtesy GKN

STC can be used to install all compliant transponder types in combination with every compliant GPS source offering a unique and valuable solution to operators with mixed configurations in their fleet

Multiple customers of GKN Fokker Services have already ordered the Boeing Next-Generation 737 ADS-B Out modification enabling them comply with the global ADS-B out mandates while securing early adopter advantages.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have already issued the STC for ADS-B Out modification on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 (in 2018 and 2019 respectively).

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. A new, so-called Version 2 (DO260B), ADS-B Out system will become mandatory in 2020 in USA, Europe, UAE and various other countries.

The new ADS-B Out mandate involves an upgrade or replacement of the ATC Transponder and the 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).

After obtaining EASA and FAA STCs for the Bombardier Q400 (ST04125NY) and the Airbus A320 Family (ST04157NY), GKN Fokker Services is expanding its ADS-B Out program to other aircraft types. These include the Boeing 737 Classic, 747, 757 and 767. See the full overview of Fokker Services’ certificates here: https://www.fokkerservices.com/about/certifications

Erik Lous, Product Manager ADS-B Out at GKN Fokker Services said: “We are extremely happy with our CAAC STC for our competitive and innovative ADS-B Out solution for the Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. It is truly differentiating, since it encompasses all compliant transponders and GPS sources. Our STC will also 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 update existing transponders or replace the existing transponders with transponders from different vendors.”