Press Release

Issued by Fokker Services Group.

June 11, 2009

Fokker Services and FreeFlight Systems announce a partnership to provide air transport aircraft a low-cost means to modernize the airborne navigation system without replacing existing equipment or making extensive changes to the aircraft. This dual system with certification is about one-third of the cost of a new Flight Management System (FMS), and requires about 100 man-hours to install.

The modification enhances accuracy and performance of existing IRS/FMS systems without GPS capability by integrating GNSS/SBAS data.  The system was originally designed for Fokker 70/100 aircraft, but will work equally well for other airline transport or business-jet cockpits. The upgrade will allow flight crews to fly GPS-based RNAV for the entire flight (SID, enroute, STAR), in addition to allowing non-precision GPS approach capability. The system will improve situational awareness and provide lateral guidance based on GNSS.  Moreover, the aircraft will be able to operate in remote and oceanic regions, and will be approved for terminal area navigation operations in European and other airspace.

The integrated system also enables growth to GPS landing system (GLS) capability and improves the availability of the enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS). Additionally, with a connection to a compliant transponder, the modification will support ADS-B Out. The Integrated GNSS/SBAS system is designed to be installed without disrupting or replacing the FMS, flight instrument, or the Automated Flight Control and Augmentation Systems (AFCAS). Modifications to the aircraft include: a control panel, a data converter, a navigation status display for the flight crew, and GNSS/SBAS sensors to provide high integrity position data.

"Partnering with FreeFlight Systems to implement this highly effective integrated GNSS/SBAS solution into our aircraft without having to replace the existing FMS is a significant benefit to the operators, from both an operational and economic perspective.   Moreover, the flexible design of the system and modular approach enables us to offer it to other fleet operators which is an added benefit to speeding up the adoption of ADS-B," adds Martin Knegt, Product Manager, Fokker Services. The integrated GNSS/SBAS system is defined, available, and ready for installation on Fokker 70/100 aircraft and other aircraft types, while the AHRS solution is under development.

Robert Schneier, COO, FreeFlight Systems, commented on the announcement, stating, "Our company has a deep heritage in bringing high integrity GNSS/SBAS navigation solutions to our customers, dating back to the Capstone program in Alaska.  Working with Fokker Services to upgrade legacy flight management computers with an innovative, yet cost effective navigation solution that also provides ADS-B Out capability brings the promise of enhanced aviation safety to operators and the flying public."