Constant Aviation, one of the US' largest MROs, has completed its industry-leading 33rd modernisation of the Bombardier Challenger 604's flight deck. Constant has completed more Challenger 604 avionics modernisations than the rest of the industry combined, with 80 per cent of the total, making it the most experienced installer of Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics for one of the most popular super midsized aircraft.

“As the industry's most experienced installers of Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion for the Challenger 604, we help extend the life of one of the most popular and durable aircraft, protecting owners' investments and preserving resale value,” says David Davies, Constant Aviation CEO. “Our efficiency in installing these systems minimises downtime, controls cost and returns the aircraft to service in the shortest timeframe possible.”

Constant Aviation's position as the industry leader in Challenger 604 modernisation is attributable not only to its experience but also its expertise. Nextant Aerospace, a Constant Aviation division, designed, engineered, certified and owns the FAA STC for the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck. As a result of this expertise available nowhere else, there are no additional fees for technical and engineering support.

Additionally Constant, through its Nextant Aerospace division, is developing a special mission variant of the STC to support the needs of government and military operators throughout the world.

Among the other features available are the Nextant-certified add-on integrated auto throttle system option and experienced Fusion-trained pilots for aircraft testing and flight crew familiarisation with the system.

“With the ongoing nextgen modernisation of the national airspace, aircraft don't just need to be physically durable to continue flying: They'll have to be compliant with emerging technology standards,” explains Blake Hogge, director of avionics sales for Constant Aviation. “Our Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion flight deck modernisation will make the Challenger 604 nextgen-compliant and keep it flying today, tomorrow and into the future.”

The Pro Line Fusion upgrade replaces the Challenger 604's factory-installed CRT displays with three widescreen, high-resolution touchscreens with synthetic vision technology. The widescreen displays provide 35 percent more glass than legacy systems for enhanced data presentation and exceptional situational awareness. The package includes synthetic vision, data link, ADS-B Out, WAAS/LVP, FANS-1A, ATN-B1/LINK-2000+ and the option to add Safe Flight AutoPower.

The durability and reliability of the Challenger 604 is renowned. When production of the aircraft ended in 2006, 365 had been built; 363 remain in operation, making it one of the few aircraft with such a high percentage of aircraft still in service 15 or more years after the end of production.