GKN Delivers 500th Underwater Locator Device Modification Package

GKN Fokker Services has delivered its 500th Underwater Locator Device (ULD) modification package, in just one year.

Controlling the location of aircraft flying a long-range over oceanic areas has become increasingly important to air traffic control authorities. This has led to new requirements, including the introduction of a stand-alone, long-range ULD. Multiple countries now mandate fitting the ULD on aircraft for long-range over-water flights.

The ULD will transmit an 8.8 kHz acoustic signal (pinger) for a minimum of 90 days. Its low frequency ensures an increased detection range of 13-22 km (7-12 NM) over the standard ULBs as installed on Flight Data Recorders and Cockpit Voice Recorders.

The ULD is installed on the airframe and the maximum operational depth is 6,100 m (20,000 ft) when activated upon immersion in both salt and fresh water. The battery is a single-cell type with a six-year life.

Erik Lous, Product Manager ULD at GKN Fokker Services said, "We are happy to reach this milestone of delivering 500 ULD modification kits, only one year after supplying the first unit in October 2017."

The modification package has been developed for a wide range of aircraft including the Airbus A320 Family, A330, A340, Boeing 737 through 787, Bombardier Q400, Embraer E-Jets and the Fokker 70 and Fokker 100.

The GKN Fokker Services’ solution offers a complete package including the engineering bulletin, aircraft documentation, the ULD hardware, installation kit and a tester.

Thus far, the ULD modifications have been supplied to twenty-five customers in twenty countries.

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