Universal Avionics (Booth 6555) announced that Clay Lacy Aviation is primed to offer an STC for installation of the UniLink UL-801 Communications Management Unit (CMU) to provide Future Air Navigation System (FANS) 1/A+ capabilities for the Gulfstream GIV and GIV-SP.

Installation in the initial certification aircraft began in January, with STC approval expected by the third quarter this year. An amendment to the STC for the GV will immediately follow initial certification, along with application for EASA certification.

The FANS installation includes the Universal Avionics UniLink UL-801 CMU, UNS-1Espw FMS and CVR-120R Cockpit Voice Recorder for FANS data link message recording. The installation also includes Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) functionality. In addition, the UniLink UL-800/801 CMU is provisioned for Eurocontrol’s Link 2000+ and ADS-B OUT.

“The cost of non-compliance to long range business jets is significant, affecting routing, flight time and fuel burn,” said Robert Clare, Universal Avionics director of sales. “Operators may experience challenges flying within the North Atlantic Track System if the aircraft is not equipped for FANS capabilities, such as being routed to lower altitudes, causing a considerable increase in fuel burn.”

STCs for FANS installations on 20 platforms have now been issued or are in progress, according to Universal, including Boeings, Challengers, Falcons and Gulfstreams.