Avcon Adds Two Special-mission STCs for Challengers

Butler National subsidiary Avcon Industries is offering two special-mission modifications for Bombardier Challenger 604, 605, and 650 twinjets under new supplemental type certificates (STCs) issued by the FAA. The modifications are for fuselage underside rail mounting provisions for sensors and mission equipment and a fuselage underside-mounted radome.

The Challenger rail system STC is similar to a previously approved Avcon STC for Beechcraft King Airs and Cessna Caravans. The rails can accommodate mission sensors such as large radar systems and electro-optical/infrared equipment.

To make the special-mission radome compatible with synthetic aperture radar systems and other sensors, Avcon engineers designed the radome with advanced materials that provide a range of transmissivity characteristics.

“The Challenger platform is widely used worldwide for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime patrol, and other special-mission applications due to its combination of range, cabin volume, and operational flexibility,” said Avcon Industries president Marcus Abendroth. “The Avcon team worked diligently to secure these certifications, and we appreciate their commitment, expertise, and technical achievement throughout the program.

“These certifications significantly expand the Avcon special mission platform portfolio and position the Challenger 604/605/650 as an attractive option for customers requiring greater range, endurance, payload capacity, and mission flexibility. The Challenger STCs represent another step in the Avcon strategy to expand its portfolio of special-mission aircraft modification solutions across multiple aircraft platforms.”