Aerospace Quality Research and Development (AQRD) has successfully developed the engineering, design and installation needed to keep the Beechcraft Starship 2000 flying with the ADS-B 2020 mandate of compliance, meeting the FAA regulations 14 CFR 91.225 and 14 CFR 91.22.

The challenge in obtaining ADS-B compliance for the Starship included no available OEM support, no available support for the existing Collins AMS850 system, no cockpit panel real-estate for a panel or other mount solution, and no way to connect with the existing and no longer supported Rockwell Collins AMS 850 integrated avionics processor and systems.

This is a significant milestone for the Beechcraft Starship, as it will ensure that the aircraft will be shared and enjoyed for decades to come. AQRD, using its in-house development team and engineering expertise, developed a solution to be ADS-B IN/OUT compliant with updated cockpit technology and modern-day GPS/transponders/1090ES technology. AQRD sees this as a milestone in its development approach to engineering solutions, coupled with applications engineering (on aircraft solutions). This solution not only brings ADSB OUT to meet the FAA nextgen mandate for the Starship as a whole, but AQRD also engineered and installed technology that brings ADS-B/FISB data specifically into the Starship cockpit. This enables the Starship to operate for the next 30 years or more, using modern and updated technology. This is a first in helping solve the continuing challenge of keeping aircraft flying into the future.

AQRD is using this method of engineering design (integration approach in partnership with select systems manufacturers) and applying it to other platforms and solutions in the commercial, corporate, and military space. AQRD will be using the operations-based design approach applying it to many of its other current and future customers challenges with fleet and aircraft sustainment and obsolescent issues. AQRD is proud to keep the Beechcraft Starship flying along with the Dassault F1 Mirage, Northrop F5 and Lockheed F16.