Samantha Cartaino

Wichita-based Global Aviation Technologies (GAT) has received the first of 19 U.S. Air Force Learjets that it will update with new avionics. The C-21As, which are the military version of Learjet 35A, will receive ADS-B Out, FANS-1/A and electronic flight information systems so the aircraft can operate under NextGen. GAT will hire additional aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians by the end of the year to accommodate this project.

 


“We are proud to contribute to the further utilization of these Wichita-built airplanes,” said GAT v-p of business development Woody Cottner. “We’ll be updating the avionics to take full advantage of the advances in electronic flight management. We’re also very familiar with the Learjet airframe and its performance and durability, so this effort is both economical and practical on the part of the U.S. Air Force, and we’re very pleased to be a part of it for that reason, too.”

 


GAT’s contract, which is valued at $32.2 million, entails replacing original analog instruments with electronic upgrades and includes Universal Avionics EFI-890R LCD screens, Universal UNS-1FW Waas/SBAS navigation units, Honeywell WU-880 weather radars and Rockwell Collins Nxtlink ICS-220A Iridium communications systems that add datalink capability.

 


The company also recently announced that it will develop an upgraded version of the Beechcraft Premier 1A. Known as the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2017-10-10/global-aviation-technologies-unveils-premier-1a-upgrade" target="_blank">Premier Elite</a>, the aircraft will receive airframe, aerodynamic and interior upgrades, as well as optional avionics.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

GAT Wins $32M Contract To Upgrade USAF Learjets

The C-21A jets, which are the military version of Learjet 35As, will receive ADS-B Out, FANS 1/A, and electronic flight information systems from GAT.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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