Fokker Services has announced the introduction of an integrated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) for Fokker 100 and Fokker 70 aircraft.
With the integrated GNSS system, F70/100 operators will be able to obtain a more accurate aircraft track-keeping performance, allowing for shorter approaches and lower decision heights, saving time and fuel, lowering carbon emissions and, not least, enhancing safety and schedule reliability.
Launch customer for the system is Air Niugini. One of the carrier's Fokker 100s will be used for the certification test flight process. The system’s accuracy is of special importance to Air Niugini, given the challenging weather, terrain and approach tracks it faces at some domestic airports.
The integrated GNSS has been designed by Fokker Services to ensure that the Fokker 70 and 100 remain competitive for many years to come. Fokker Services is partnering with FreeFlight Systems (as the provider of the global positioning system (GPS) sensors and other equipment) in the development of the system and plans to extend this concept to other aircraft types in the near future. The design does not require upgrading (or even replacement) of the existing flight management system (FMS) for implementation of the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capability.
Air Niugini’s upgraded Fokker 100s will be able to fly accurate GPS-aided approaches that meet RNP 0.3 requirements. Use of RNP capability is also possible with departure and en route tracks, allowing shorter route distances providing potential for time, fuel and emission savings throughout the complete flight profile. The integrated GNSS system offers stabilised approaches whereas vertical guidance is based on barometric altitude. The benefits of RNP navigation cannot be obtained with stand-alone GPS installations, which are also being offered for Fokker 100 and other aircraft types.
Photo: Jialiang Gao
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