Brazil-based SAB Aviaçâo has obtained field approval to install a dual Avidyne Atlas flight management system (FMS) upgrade in a Dassault Falcon 50. The Atlas FMSs enable fully-autopilot-coupled GPS approaches, a much lower-cost option than upgrading the business jet’s Collins Pro Line units.
“The dual Atlas FMS configuration is a terrific retrofit option for the Falcon 50,” said Ed Paulsen, Avidyne senior v-p of sales and business development. “Atlas gives new life to these highly-capable airframes without the high cost of a full flight deck replacement, adding a whole host of capabilities—most importantly opening up hundreds of airports and runway ends with GPS-based LPV approaches.”
New capabilities available with the Atlas FMSs include LPV, LP, LNAV/VNAV, and LNAV-only GPS approaches. The FMSs include integrated navcom radios, Jeppesen georeferenced charts, touchscreen or QWERTY keyboard interfaces, and Avidyne’s GeoFill waypoint entry feature. Atlas’ Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity also allow it to work with several tablet applications.
“Avidyne would like to extend our appreciation to Mario Alencar and the team of SAB Aviaçâo for initiating and completing this installation and approval,” said Juan Blaha, Avidyne sales director for Latin America. “The fully integrated dual Atlas…systems replaced several legacy remote boxes in the Falcon 50, clearing avionics bay space and increasing useful load, while extending the utility and capabilities of the aircraft.”