Press Release Details

Viking Names Cascade Aerospace as Integrator and 2nd Program Partner for Aerial Firefighter Avionics Upgrade Program

20-Jun-2019

Viking Air Limited of Victoria, British Columbia, has signed a contract with Cascade Aerospace of Abbotsford, British Columbia, naming it as integrator for Viking’s Avionics Upgrade Program (AUP) on Canadair CL-215T and CL-415 aerial firefighting aircraft. The announcement makes Cascade the second contributor to join the Avionics Upgrade Program.

The contract calls for Cascade to complete the design, installation, testing and certification of the AUP on two prototypes, a CL-415 and a CL-215T, and the completion of ten post-STC AUP installations at Cascade’s facilities. The contract also includes Cascade’s production of forty “A-Kits” consisting of structural components, wiring harnesses and other permanently-installed items that link together the new flight controls, navigation and communication systems being provided by Collins Aerospace as “B-Kits.”

As part of the certification, Cascade will develop the detailed production process, including drawings, task cards and kitting activity that will marry the A-Kit with the B-Kit through clearly defined and efficient sequenced instructions for subsequent installations.

“Based on Viking’s longstanding relationship working with Cascade on the Series 400 Twin Otter program, combined with their extensive experience upgrading Canadair CL-215’s to turbine configuration, Cascade was a natural choice to welcome as a key contributor to the Viking AUP,” commented Dan Seroussi, director of the program for Viking. “Their specialization in aircraft modification, particularly with avionics upgrades, and their experience with Canadair aerial firefighters gave them a clear advantage.”

“We are thrilled to be conducting this new program for Viking, a key long-term OEM partner of ours,” said Kevin Lemke, Cascade executive vice president & COO. “This exciting program is a fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate our strengths as a company with highly skilled and experienced people, and to continue to forge relationships with Viking, Longview Aviation, and Collins Aerospace.”

In 2018, through Viking’s sister-company, Longview Aviation Services, Cascade was awarded a contract to assist with the CL-415EAF “Enhanced Aerial Firefighter” update and conversion program, including conducting the first aircraft modification using Viking-supplied conversion kits and providing on-site process training to Longview personnel.

To face challenges with supportability and end-of-life components inherent with aging technology, the AUP utilizes modern and reliable COTS systems that will easily interface with specialized mission equipment. The system is designed as a complete integrated solution for a harmonized cockpit that will not only meet current regulatory requirements, it will also address future operational and technical requirements over a 25+ year horizon.

A key component of the AUP is the introduction of the Collins Pro Line Fusion digital avionics suite, a FAR/Part 25 certified scalable software-based system. The avionics suite’s core configuration includes Flight Director, Flight Management System (FMS) coupled with SBAS-GPS and LPV capability, Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), ADS-B Out, Synthetic Vision, crew alerting system display indicators, and a multi-functional keyboard panel with dual cursor controls providing an alternative to touch screen commands. A SATCOM system, multiband radio, weather radar, datalink, and auto-pilot are few of the available options to further enhance and customize the avionics system based on operator requirements.

The AUP will initially be offered as an upgrade to operators of CL-215T or CL-415 who can select either a complete modification including the supply and installation of the avionics suite, or as a parts kit for installation by an approved Maintenance Repair Organization.

Cascade Aerospace, an operating unit of IMP Aerospace & Defence, is a leading Canadian specialty aerospace contractor that provides long-term integrated aircraft fleet support and program management, aircraft maintenance, modification, engineering services & integrated logistics support to domestic and international military, government, and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.cascadeaerospace.com.

Headquartered in Victoria, BC, Viking is the global leader in utility aircraft services, and the manufacturer of the world-renowned Series 400 Twin Otter. Viking is the Original Type Certificate holder for all out-of- production de Havilland aircraft, DHC-1 through the DHC-7, and provides exclusive spare parts manufacturing and product support for the legacy de Havilland fleet. In 2007 Viking launched the Twin Otter Series 400 production program, and to date new Viking aircraft have sold to over 30 countries worldwide. In 2016, Viking acquired the Type Certificates (manufacturing rights) for the Canadair CL-215, CL-215T, and CL-415 aircraft. With this transfer, Viking assumed responsibility for all product support for the global fleet of 170 aerial firefighters.

Viking is managed by Longview Aviation Capital Corp. (LAC), established in 2016 to manage a portfolio of long-term investments in the Canadian aerospace industry. LAC includes the assets of Viking Air Ltd.; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, owner of the entire Dash 8 program including the 100, 200, and 300 Series and the in-production 400 program; Pacific Sky Aviation Inc.; Longview Aviation Asset Management Inc.; and Longview Aviation Services.

Longview, through its subsidiaries, holds the Type Certificates for the entire product line of original De Havilland Canada aircraft company. Longview has a workforce of approximately 1,800 full-time employees in manufacturing and aircraft service support in locations across Canada, including Victoria, Calgary, and Toronto.

For additional information, please visit www.vikingair.com or www.lvav.ca.