Bombardier is beginning to accept reservations for installation of its Smart Link Plus health monitoring units (HMUs) on Challenger 300s and 350s as it moves forward on its expansive connected aircraft plans. The Canadian manufacturer revealed plans in late 2019 to offer the Smart Link Plus HMUs for free for more than 2,500 in-service Challengers and Globals. Global 7500s already come equipped with health-monitoring capabilities.

“This is an important step in our connected aircraft program,” said Elza Brunelle-Yeung, senior director of aftermarket products and services, in announcing the launch of the program for the Challenger models.

Once equipped, operators will have the option of subscribing to Smart Link Plus services that will provide access to a range of real-time data and trends involving the aircraft. Bombardier is rolling out an app next month that will include a data visualization tool that will help operators have access to real-time data to help them to better track aircraft service needs and troubleshoot any emerging concerns. This data also will provide Bombardier with aggregated fleetwide trends.

Bombardier's service centers are taking reservations for installation work that will begin mid-year on the Challengers. While initially focused on the Challenger 300 and 350, Bombardier plans to move next to in-service 600-series Challengers—beginning with the 604—and Global families. A timeline is not yet definitive for those models, but Brunelle-Yeung anticipated they could be just months behind. In addition, Bombardier is exploring forward-fit possibilities for in-production Globals and Challengers.

By offering the boxes for free (installation costs are not included), Bombardier is hoping it will encourage fleet operators to participate in the Smart Link Plus programs. This will enable a larger fleetwide data pool that will provide Bombardier with a more complete picture of trends, rather than on a one-aircraft-basis, and ultimately be able to predict and fix issues before they occur, she said.

In addition, Brunelle-Yeung added, “We really want to change the game when it comes to giving our customers access to the aircraft data that right now is just sitting dormant on the aircraft. It’s untapped potential and we want to unleash the potential.”

About 95 percent of Global 7500 customers are enrolled in Smart Link Plus services. “We are already seeing great benefits on the 7500 in terms of saving time and troubleshooting and in terms of engine monitoring,” she said.

Through subscriptions, customers are able to receive data transfers in flight or on the ground. For example, Brunelle-Yeung said customers will be able to see crew alerting system (CAS) or onboard maintenance system (OMS) warnings. She noted that Bombardier has done a “deep dive” on parameters mapped to various alerts that will provide operators with a better understanding of which ones should be closely monitored.

In addition, the app is linked to Bombardier’s SmartFix Plus library, enabling operators to access information on potential fixes to different CAS messages. She stressed that the HMU box is not a quick access recorder but will collect and transmit a greater variety of data from a range of systems automatically and wirelessly.

Bombardier is collaborating with GE Aviation on the development of the HMU boxes. The OEM is managing the Smart Link Plus services, but GE receives in-flight reports.

As a digital ecosystem develops, Bombardier expects to grow functions of the program, she said.

“As this innovative program continues to evolve, more Bombardier aircraft customers will benefit from the attributes it provides, helping them make concrete maintenance decisions by leveraging fleet-wide big data,” said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive v-p services and support and corporate strategy for Bombardier Aviation.

Since announcing the plans, Bombardier has heard from a number of customers asking when it will be available, Brunelle-Yeung said, adding she anticipates a strong response to the offer. “People are more and more accustomed to connecting all aspects of their life…there’s a lot of interest from our customers who want to take the next step and connect their aircraft and start to get more and more data and analytics from their aircraft.”

Downtime will vary on aircraft, but will typically require some wiring, she said, adding that Bombardier is recommending installation alongside other scheduled maintenance. However, she noted that the box is small and light—about the size of a large mobile phone.