GFD, an Airbus company, has selected the InSight flight display system to modify its Learjet 35A/36A aircraft fleet, collaborating with Universal Avionics (UA). Scandinavian Avionics (ScanAv) will develop the STC and install the flight deck upgrade. This upgrade aims to bring GFD's aircraft to a common avionics standard by replacing a large array of cockpit instruments, which reintroduces sustainability and support for the lifecycle of the aircraft for key avionics equipment, while introducing new integrated capabilities for the German company's core services of aerial target demonstrations.

An important enabler of this upgrade is the array of third-party equipment compatible with UA's InSight and FMS, enabling end users such as GFD to utilise the most suitable equipment for their missions. InSight brings a sleek, glass cockpit installation, replacing outdated cockpit instruments and other equipment that are increasingly difficult to maintain. High-resolution, high-brightness, 10.4 inch AMLCD screens help provide improved visibility and reduce pilot eye fatigue. Integration with the SBAS Universal Flight Management System enables intuitive interactions with precision navigation capabilities, allowing military operators to focus on their demanding mission environments.

“Modernising these aircraft is a sustainable solution to address rising maintenance costs and challenges while supporting the aircraft to perform these sensitive and demanding missions for years to come,” says Dror Yahav, CEO of Universal Avionics. “The selection of InSight by GFD, a worldwide reference for demanding government mission environments, strengthens its position as a rugged, dependable avionics solution.”

ScanAv's CEO Michael Truelsen adds: “I am very excited to start this state-of-the-art cockpit upgrade programme. We consider ourselves a key player in our industry to support complex avionics projects like this one, and we are humbled and honoured to team up with our long-term partner Universal Avionics to exceed the expectations of an esteemed special mission operator like GFD.”

The aviation division of GFD has been operating the aerial target demonstration for the Bundeswehr from Hohn Airfield since 1989. To this end, GFD currently deploys 16 modified Learjet 35A/36A aircraft equipped with highly specialised equipment.