GKN Obtains STC from EASA for ADS-B Out Modification on Boeing 737s

GKN Fokker Services has received the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from EASA for its ADS-B Out modification for Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.

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

After obtaining EASA STCs for the Bombardier Q400 and the Airbus A320 Family, GKN Fokker Services is extending its ADS-B Out programme to other aircraft types. These include the Boeing 737 Classic, 747, 757 and 767 as well as the Bombardier Dash 8 Classic. GKN Fokker Services has said it will also apply for STCs from the FAA and other airworthiness authorities.

Erik Lous, Product Manager ADS-B Out at GKN Fokker Services, said, “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.”

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