Hawker 700 Benefits from RVSM Upgrade

Alternative Avionics in Waterford, Mich., has gained an STC for installation of upgraded air-data computers and pitot-static probes in the Hawker 700, a modification that the company said provides a pathway to RVSM approval while also improving autopilot functionality. Carrying a price of between $175,000 and $190,000 installed, the RVSM package includes two air-data computers (typically supplied by Innovative Solutions & Support), two Rosemount heated pitot-static probes, the air-data sensors and all harnesses and wiring. Alternative Avionics sales manager Dave Boehne said that Hawker 700s already approved for RVSM can benefit from the modifications because the upgraded avionics and probes result in improved autopilot performance. The installed price to upgrade Hawker 700s already RVSM approved is between $87,000 and $97,000 and involves about two weeks of downtime, Boehne said.