Raytheon Aircraft teamed with AeroMech to develop an RVSM solution for most of the Beechcraft King Air fleet and has STCs for the King Air 200, 300 and 350 equipped with APS-65 or APS-80 autopilots and ADC-80 air-data computers.
Coupled with a previous OEM RVSM kit for the more recent King Air fleet with the ADC-85 air-data computers, the majority of Rockwell Collins-equipped King Air 200s, 300s and 350s now have a factory-sponsored RVSM solution available. RVSM airspace is scheduled to be implemented on January 20 in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and South America.

“We have aggressively priced these solutions well below current market value of those packages not sponsored by Raytheon Aircraft in an effort to keep our operators flying at the altitudes and performance levels for which the King Air fleet was built while also minimizing the effect of the cost of operations,” said v-p of customer support Ed Dolanski.

Introductory pricing for RVSM equipment installation and related work ranged from “less than $60,000 through $90,000,” depending upon the customer’s aircraft configuration. Raytheon Aircraft expected “a small cost increase based on higher supplier costs” at the beginning of the year, according to a company spokesman. “But no large markup,” the spokesman added. Some OEMs plan substantial increases in their RVSM pricing after the January 20 implementation date.

Distribution of the RVSM kit solutions is offered through Raytheon Aircraft parts inventory and distribution (Rapid). Installation and order placement can
be arranged through Raytheon Aircraft Services or any King Air- and Rockwell Collins-rated authorized service center.

Additionally, Raytheon Aircraft and D&D Aviation Services of Marietta, Ga., have developed a service that will provide Raytheon Aircraft owners and operators with RVSM operational approval and aircraft-specific minimum equipment list approval. D&D will prepare domestic RVSM procedures and international operations manuals and develop an RVSM application data package for submission to the FAA or an international regulatory authority.

Meanwhile, Raytheon Aircraft has installed RVSM kits in more than 75 Hawker 700s since the OEM package was introduced in early 2003. An item in the November issue of AIN (page 45) incorrectly said that RVSM kits had been installed in only about 40 Hawker 700s.