November 2024 UPDATE:
Hardware Obsolescence Update
As communicated in 2019, Collins has been supporting repairs of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT’s) with used serviceable parts. These parts can no longer be reliably procured. Due to this, CASP will no longer cover CRT displays (CDU, EFD and RTU)as of December 31, 2024.
Rental Exchange will no longer offer CDU-6000 and RTU-4000 exchanges starting January 1, 2025. Collins will continue to offer firm fixed price repair coverage as parts are available for CDU-6000 and RTU-4000. Operators should anticipate unpredictable repair/return times and should plan for a minimum 21 days or greater for turn-around time if parts are available to complete a repair.
The EFD-4077 is obsolete and will be in the same parts situation as the CDU-6000/RTU-4000 above within the next six months.
It’s important to note that the cost and complexity of repairs on CRT’s will continue to rise and AOG situations are highly likely as we move forward.
September 2020:
To all Challenger 604 operators:
The Challenger 604 (CL604) is an aircraft that will continue to serve its owners for many years to come. While that’s true for the airframe itself, we’re writing to alert you to upcoming obsolescence dates related to the Pro Line 4™ flight deck on your aircraft.
Upcoming Hardware Obsolescence
As announced in 2019, new Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) displays for the EFD-4077 displays in your aircraft will become unavailable by December 2021. After this date, Collins will perform all CRT repairs with used parts. December 2023 will mark the end of repair service for the EFD-4077 CRT displays on your Challenger 604.
Airspace Modernization Demands
Rapidly-changing airspace modernization is another reason a modern flight deck is becoming more necessary. The FAA and other regulatory bodies are introducing technologies such as
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), area navigation (RNAV), and ADS-B with the goal of making airspace more efficient and airports more accessible.
Ultimately, the Pro Line 4 Flight Management System (FMS) software will not be able to support the new functionality required for the demands of modern airspace requirements.
Moving Forward: Pro Line Fusion®
The good news is that Collins Aerospace has developed the perfect replacement for the Pro Line 4 flight deck in your Challenger 604 — Pro Line Fusion. With Pro Line Fusion, Collins Aerospace offers a state-of-the-art platform upon which to build for future airspace demands while fully addressing obsolescence challenges.
This upgrade solves the CRT obsolescence issue by using Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) that are reliable and easily repaired, as well as replaces the CDU and RTU hardware.
Pro Line Fusion also brings a modern, touchscreen, three-display flight deck to your aircraft. It includes a state-of-the-art FMS that is ready to adapt to and handle airspace changes for the foreseeable future. The upgrade provides an integrated, fully-supported flight deck that will keep you flying well into the future.
If you have additional questions about the Pro Line Fusion upgrade, please contact us on [email protected] for more information.