First Surveillance Modification Approved with STC for any Cessna Jet

BIRD Aerosystems has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) for its Cessna CJ3 ASIO special mission aircraft (SMA) modifications, the company announced on 14 December.

The first surveillance modification to be approved with an STC on a Cessna jet, BIRD’s ASIO SMA is an end-to-end airborne ISR solution ideal for maritime and ground surveillance, search and rescue, patrol and monitoring. ASIO offers decision-makers and field commanders accurate, real-time terrestrial and maritime information that dramatically enhances situational awareness. A true force multiplier, ASIO enables even small crews to deliver detailed and comprehensive surveillance information covering large geographic areas.

The STC follows modification of the aircraft into a special mission configuration, and includes all structural and electrical changes required to support installation of the airborne sensors (radar, EOP, AIS), communications equipment, operator workstations and pilot display. The full STC programme, including installation design, analysis, justification and modification activities, were conducted by BIRD Aerosystems’ platform engineering department and its MRO in Cyprus.

The STC also enables dual use of the aircraft, to include a special mission surveillance configuration and a VIP configuration, and allows for cabin changes with no need to dismantle ASIO sensors and systems.

The STC issued by the CAAI is now also being adapted by the FAA and EASA, which will enable BIRD to provide its worldwide customers with a certified aircraft SMA solution which can be delivered in various configurations and at short notice.