Field Aviation Company inc., is pleased to announce that it has been awarded contracts by the Aircraft Systems Division of ATK Mission Research Corporation to be the primary contractor for modifying two Bombardier Dash 8Q-202 into Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The contracts include an option for a third aircraft which is expected to be exercised within the next year.

The Dash 8Q-202 MPA’s will be used by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. Each aircraft will be equipped with a Raytheon SeaVue surveillance radar and an L-3 WESCAM MX-15 EO/IR sensor which will provide surveillance information through an Integrated Sensors and Display System (ISADS).

The ISADS, which is designed and built by ATK Mission Research Corporation, features the latest advances in sensor and computer technology. It takes inputs from the aircraft’s navigation systems, the surveillance radar system, and the EO/IR system to provide the operators with an integrated view of the area of operation. In addition, ISADS provides a mechanism for disseminating sensor data via a communications suite to ground stations.

The surveillance aircraft that Field will modify for ICE will represent a further development of the Dash 8Q-202 MPA’s that are currently flown by Surveillance Australia for the Australian Customs Service COASTWATCH program. Three Dash 8Q-202 MPA’s entered service with COASTWATCH in 1996, and two additional units were delivered in 2000. The Australian aircraft have to date flown more than 60,000 operational hours, which is the highest usage of any modern MPA in this class.

For this program, Field Aviation will receive standard passenger Dash 8Q-202’s from Bombardier and modify the aircraft into a configuration where they are ready for the final installation of the search sensors and the ISADS. Field’s work will include all external and structural modifications, upgraded navigation and communications equipment as well as the mission interior with workstations and observation windows.

This is the beginning of a possible twelve MPA program for ICE. Modification of the first aircraft will start at Field’s Toronto facility in June this year, and after Field’s work is completed, the aircraft will be delivered to ATK Mission Research Corporation for final sensor and ISADS integration. All the modifications will be covered by Supplemental Type Certification (STC), which enables the finished DHC-8Q-202 MPA to retain its civil certification under FAA Part 25.

Field Aviation is a leading provider of aviation sales, technical services and integrated support to general, commercial and military aviation communities across Canada and throughout the world. Combining these capabilities has made Field a world leader in the adaptation of commercial aircraft for special mission use – ranging from flight inspection to electronic surveillance and maritime patrol.

The sale of Field’s MPA modifications to ATK Mission Research Corporation in the USA has been facilitated through the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).

For more information about Field Aviation and its Special Mission Aircraft programs, contact Joar Gronlund, V. P. Business Development at +1. 905.676.1540 or jgronlund@fieldav.com.