Bird Aerosystems Gets Israeli STC for Surveillance CJ3

Bird Aerosystems has received Civil Aviation Authority of Israel supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for a special-mission variant of the Cessna Citation CJ3. The STC for the CJ3 Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence, and Observation (ASIO) platform enables dual use for special missions and VIP operations, the Israel-based company said. Under the STC, the cabin configurations could be changed without the need to dismantle ASIO sensors and systems.

Bird Aerosystems said the STC is the first of its kind for a Cessna Citation and followed the modification of the CJ3 into a special-mission configuration, including all structural and electrical changes supporting the installation of airborne surveillance sensors, communication equipment, operator workstations, and a pilot display.

The STC program involved installation design, analysis, and modifications conducted by Bird Aerosystems’ engineering department, as well as by its MRO in Cyprus. Plans call for seeking FAA and EASA approvals next year and offering the platform for multiple operations.

“Work invested by our internal platform engineering department and our MRO in Cyprus, together with our partners at the CAAI, enabled us to complete this STC certification successfully and fulfill our mission of delivering turnkey programs to our customers,” said Bird Aerosystems co-CEO and founder Ronen Factor. “We can now offer our customers a fully certified, maritime and ground surveillance aircraft solution that is cost-effective and can be delivered under short schedules."