NavSat System on Fokker Aircraft

Fokker Services announces the introduction of an integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for the Fokker 100 and Fokker 70. With the integrated GNSS system Fokker operators will be able to obtain a more accurate aircraft track keeping performance allowing for shorter approaches and lower decision heights, saving time and fuel, lowering carbon emissions and, not least, enhancing safety and schedule reliability. Launch customer for the system is Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea. One of their Fokker 100s will be used for the certification test flight process. The system's accuracy is of special importance to Air Niugini, given the challenging weather, terrain and approach tracks they face at some of their domestic ports.

Fokker Services is partnering with FreeFlight Systems (as the provider of the Global Positioning System sensors and other equipment) in the development of the system and plans to extend this concept to other aircraft types in the near future. Since the design concept does not require upgrading (or even replacing) the existing Flight Management System (FMS) for implementation of the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capability, it is undoubtedly the most cost-effective option for taking advantage of the economies that performance-based navigation offers.

The innovative design enables Air Niugini to make use of satellite-based navigation and approach capability without expensive flight management and autopilot system upgrades. Air Niugini's upgraded Fokker 100s will be able to fly accurate GPS-aided approaches that meet RNP 0.3 requirements. Use of RNP capability is also possible with departure and en route tracks, allowing shorter route distances providing potential for time, fuel and emission savings throughout the complete flight profile. The integrated GNSS system offers stabilized approaches whereas vertical guidance is based on barometric altitude. The benefits of RNP navigation cannot be obtained with stand-alone GPS installations, which are also being offered for Fokker 100 and other aircraft types.