New Contracts Establish CMC Electronics as a Major Force in Classic B747 Cockpit Avionics Systems Integration
(Paris Air Show, June 18, 2001) CMC Electronics has received industry recognition for its ability to work closely with customers to define efficient cockpit avionics upgrade packages. The company was chosen recently as cockpit avionics systems integrator by several new customers, including Saudi Arabian Airlines (twelve B747-200/300 and -SP aircraft), Corsair (four B747-300s) and Hong Kong Dragon Airlines (two B747-300s). The company will supply its CMA-900 Flight Management System (FMS) for these customers' classic B747 fleets.
The Global Positioning System (GPS)-based CMA-900 will provide GPS-based navigation and oceanic and remote area operations capability. The CMA-900 has been granted regulatory approval for installation and operation on virtually all air transport jet aircraft.
As systems integrator for these B747 fleet upgrades, CMC Electronics brings to the programs its technical expertise in retrofitting classic aircraft, first established with a major fleet upgrade in 1998 for KLM. A Supplemental Type Certificate was received for the cockpit upgrade of KLM's fleet of B747 classic aircraft. The CMA-900 now has STCs for the full range of classic jets, both wide and narrow body.
According to Bruce Bailey, CMC Electronics' Vice President, Aviation Electronics, "Our systems integration experience on 747s is second to none. Our customers' main reasons for selecting our CMA-900 FMS are its design to Air Transport standards, previous STCs, reasonable cost and ease of installation. The CMA-900 will enable customers to save money with assured dispatch reliability and by shortening routes and using GPS approaches."
Saudi Arabian Airlines is bringing its classic fleet in line with its newest aircraft, by adding state-of-the-art navigation and control display units. The triple installation of the CMA-900 will provide pilots with the appropriate interface to take advantage of important Future Air Navigation System (FANS) features. Benefits include shorter oceanic routes and equal treatment when flying through congested areas.
The Corsair configuration is a multi-sensor system, based on the CMA-900 FMS integrated with the Carousel IV Inertial System, and providing 100% dispatch reliability anywhere in the world, with seamless navigation from take-off to final approach. The CMA-900 features a colour liquid crystal multi-function display and includes CMC Electronics' industry leading 12-channel GPS sensor.
The Dragon Airlines configuration is a multi-sensor system, based on the CMA-900 FMS integrated with the Litton LTN-92 and new Distance Measuring Equipment (DME).
Jim Close, President and CEO, CMC Electronics, explains: "Our experience in cockpit systems integration is unequalled in the avionics industry. Our extensive background in avionics integration extends from single system installations to managing the total integration of airline widebody avionics retrofits and upgrades. This includes responsibility for assuring mission effectiveness, system definition and integration, and subsequent installation and checkout." In 1999, the Company won the prestigious "System Integrator of the Year" award from Avionics magazine for its management of KLM's B747 upgrade, described by an FAA official as "the most complex retrofit seen to date."
CMC Electronics has received regulatory approval for the installation and operation of the CMA-900 on the following aircraft: B707, B727, B737, B747, DC-9, DC-10, MD-81, MD-82, MD-83, MD-87, A300-B4, EMB-110, Dash 8 and Gulfstream GII.
CMC Electronics is a leading designer and producer of high-technology electronic products for the aviation, communications, infrared sensing, marine electronics, positioning and space markets. Formerly known as BAE SYSTEMS CANADA, the Company has designed and built innovative communication and electronics systems since 1903. Its capabilities are broadened by its Canadian subsidiary NovAtel Inc. in Calgary, Alberta; and its U.S. subsidiaries, CMC Electronics Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio, and Northstar Technologies in Acton, Massachusetts.
Contacts
Janka Dvornik
Public Relations Manager
CMC Electronics Inc.
Telephone : (514) 748-3113
Fax : (514) 748-3184
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Cathy Bain-Andreson
Commercial Aviation Marketing Director
CMC Electronics Inc.
Telephone : (613) 592-7403
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