KLM and Canadian Marconi are finalising details of a turnkey cockpit upgrade package to offer operators of Boeing 747 Classics. The move follows the experience gained by the partners on the programme to upgrade KLM's own fleet of 747 Classics.
The Dutch airline became the first to commit to a major cockpit upgrade of 747 Classics in February 1997 when it launched the ambitious programme with Canadian Marconi. A supplemental type certificate (STC) was granted by the US Federal Aviation Administration on 10 May.
The programme is designed to extend the life of the 747-200s and -300s beyond 2010 through the upgrade of the cockpits with communications, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) capability. In addition to extending the life of the Classics, the upgrade yields cuts in maintenance costs and delays, fuel savings and crew cost savings.
The avionics upgrade includes installing triple Canadian Marconi CMA-900 flight management systems (FMS), with 12-channel global positioning system sensors. The FMS is integrated with Litton's LTN-92 inertial reference systems and interfaces with the autopilot, performance management system, airborne communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS), satellite communication avionics and Teledyne aircraft condition monitoring system.
In addition to KLM Engineering and Maintenance, Canadian Marconi, Litton and Teledyne, programme partners include Smiths Industries (displays and digital electronic flight and engine instruments), AlliedSignal (ACARS), Miltope (printer) and Hollingsead International (kits).
KLM has received requests for proposals covering 75 aircraft, says Capt Robert Stade, Boeing 747-300 engineering pilot. KLM says there is a potential market for the upgrades of about 550 aircraft.
The airline conducted its first flight, using the CNS/ATM capabilities, over the North Pole on 19 May, with the system performing as expected, says Stade.
Source: Flight International
