Universal Avionics has received an EASA STC for a UniLink UL-801 Aeronautical Telecommunications Network Baseline 1 (ATN B1) upgrade for the Bombardier Challenger 601-3A. The unit will allow the aircraft to comply with the agency’s February 2020 European datalink services (DLS) mandate. It marks the first European DLS-capable approval for Universal’s UL-800/801 communications management unit (CMU).

“Datalink is a cornerstone of the Single European Sky and the FAA NextGen initiatives and will continue to improve safety and efficiency for operators,” explained Carey Miller, Universal’s director of corporate programs and business development, adding the UL-800/801 CMU has the capability to meet datalink requirements around the globe. “When combined with our SBAS-FMS, our customers can meet the North Atlantic FANS and ADS-B mandates while benefiting from precision GPS [LPV in the U.S. and APV in Europe] capability as well.”

According to the company, the UL-800/801 CMUs can be installed on a wide range of aircraft, including those with a third-party FMSs. The 801 unit features a built-in VHF data radio, which saves operators the weight and space of installing a dedicated system.