Universal Avionics's Canadian authorised dealer, Mid-Canada Mod Center (MC2), has been awarded supplemental type certificate approval from Transport Canada and the FAA for nextgen flight deck upgrades on the Dassault Falcon 50.

The upgrade programme instals the UA InSight flight deck solution to modernise Falcon 50 aircraft with latest-generation displays and nextgen capabilities for data comm including domestic Controller Pilot Datalink Communication (CPDLC), FANS 1/A+ and ATN B1. Replacement of legacy CRT displays helps address obsolescence, resolving maintenance and repair challenges.

The Falcon 50 InSight installation includes four EFI-1040 LCD displays, two UNS-1Fw SBAS-FMS and two touchscreen-enabled EFIS Control Display Units. The installation also includes UA's data communications package with the UniLink UL-801 communications management unit, and KAPTURE Cockpit Voice Recorder with internal Recorder Independent Power Supply.

The InSight display system offers the Falcon 50 a new set of capabilities including next-generation 3D Synthetic Vision System, advanced interactive digital maps, embedded electronic charting, high-resolution airport maps and intuitive touchscreen controls. InSight also offers an up to 130lbs weight reduction (savings) based on customer-selected options and final aircraft configuration, increased reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

"Owners of older aircraft like this Falcon 50 find themselves in a challenging position with obsolete parts that can't be repaired and flight deck systems lacking the enhanced situational awareness newer aircraft take for granted," says MC2 president Bill Arsenault. "Our commitment to safety underpins all of our modifications, and our speciality is reinvigorating ageing aircraft and extending their useful life. We couldn't be more pleased to work with our long-time partner, Universal Avionics, to equip this aircraft with new, future-ready capabilities."

“Falcon 50 operators can enjoy efficient operations and nextgen capabilities with InSight, a sustainable glass cockpit upgrade offering long-term cost savings,” adds UA CEO Dror Yahav. “Our long relationship with MC2 and its speciality in developing unique future-proofing solutions makes it the ideal partner to deliver this modern display system upgrade."

InSight display system integration with Universal's SBAS-FMS and UniLink UL-801 CMU provides Falcon 50 operators a path to meet current and future nextgen and SESAR mandates and capabilities: ATN B1, ADS-B Out, CPDLC, Domestic Departure Clearances, data communications, FANS 1/A+, and SBAS/LPV. The four-display InSight solution is also the first building block in preparing the Falcon 50 flight deck for other systems such as UA's ClearVision Enhanced Flight Vision System with SkyLens head-wearable display, interactive SVS and more.