Collins Aerospace has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of its CMU-4000 on the Hawker 750/800/850/900 series of aircraft. Hawker operators now have the technological infrastructure to fly in preferred oceanic and international airspace, creating flight efficiencies ranging from more direct routing, quicker departure and landing clearances, reduced fuel consumption and fewer CO2 emissions to meet evolving airspace requirements.

The CMU-4000 supports the controller-pilot data link communications (CPDLC) portion of the Future Air Navigation Standard (FANS 1/A) by enabling the replacement of operational radio communications with text messaging, helping decongest radio frequencies, ease pilot workloads and reduce potential human error in the form of voice misreads.

“This CMU-4000 milestone is a continuation of Collins' commitment to help customers remain current with evolving airspace requirements and to do so with advanced solutions that make flight more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable,” says senior director of aftermarket and cabin programmes Steve Adolphs. “The features of a CMU-4000 upgrade, such as streamlined communications, access to optimal airspace routes and increased pilot situational awareness, are a game changer for pilots and owners alike.”

While alternative solutions utilise only one or two radio frequencies (RF) to transmit communications, CMU-4000 uses all three RF sub-networks available (VHF, HF and satcom, including Iridium and Inmarsat). This tiered coverage approach provides quality communications regardless of flight condition, including within congested airspace, at higher elevations or in wide-open areas, while also helping eliminate drops in coverage and communication interference.

The CMU-4000 is currently certified on six platforms with the Beechcraft King Air B200, B300 and the Dassault Falcon 2000EX is expected to be approved later this year.