Field Aerospace Upgrades Help Smokejumpers Find and Fight Fires

Field Aviation

Canadian Operations

Field Aviation designs, modifies and certifies aircraft for specialized roles across the globe. Our expertise is the missionization of commercial platforms for search and rescue, intelligence, surveillance and interdiction roles for both government and civilian customers.

We also develop system specific STCs for many different aircraft. Our capabilities include build-to-print parts manufacturing for aircraft OEMs and our own modifications. We are also a factory authorized repair, overhaul and sales center for many avionics equipment manufacturers.

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Field Aerospace

U.S. Operations

Field Aerospace has more than 25 years of experience developing and delivering systems engineering and systems integration solutions to the U.S. government and aerospace and defense industry.

Through Field Aviation, we also provide engineering expertise spanning aircraft operations and avionics, test planning and execution, test instrumentation design and configuration, electrical and system design, as well as structural design and modification.

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Oklahoma City, OK | Oct. 6, 2015

Installation of a Garmin G950 avionics suite will begin this week when the first of four Sherpa aircraft arrives at Field Aerospace's Oklahoma City facility. Field Aerospace teamed with Garmin's aviation segment for the upgrade, which includes the design, installation, and FAA certification of a fully integrated flight deck and avionics system. The modernization of the U.S. Forest Service's SD3-60 Sherpa aircraft, which will be given new life after serving the U.S. Army, will enhance their flight accuracy and ability to safely and efficiently extinguish fires.

John Taylor, Field Aerospace vice president and general manager, said the avionics upgrade is a big win for his company. "The Forest Service has an extremely important national mission, and the system upgrade that we will design, install, and certify will enhance their ability to safely and effectively execute that mission."

Carl Wolf, Garmin vice president of aviation sales and marketing, said Garmin was honored that Field Aerospace selected the G950 Integrated Flight Deck to meet the requirements of the Forest Service. "The G950 will provide an intuitive, modernized avionics suite that brings new, safety-enhancing capabilities to the aircraft, such as large-screen Synthetic Vision Technology (SVT), ADS-B In/Out and much more. Together with Field Aerospace, we look forward to supporting their mission."

The first upgrade is expected to be complete by August 2016. Shortly after, the second Sherpa will arrive at Field Aerospace to receive the same enhancements. Field's base contract is for 4 Sherpa aircraft, but the U.S. Forest Service could exercise up to 11 contract options, which would bring the total to 15. Field Aerospace expects to complete the first four upgrades by January 2017. The updated aircraft will be utilized in support of wildland fire operations, including smokejumper, passenger, and cargo missions.

Field Aerospace received the Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract in July. A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) will be issued for the modification through Field Aerospace's FAA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). The contract period of performance extends through March 31, 2020.

A U.S.-owned and -operated small business, Field Aerospace has more than 160,000 sq. ft. of facilities, including offices, hangars, and manufacturing/industrial space with a staff of more than 300 technicians, mechanics, engineers, and other highly skilled personnel. Field is a global provider of aircraft integration, modification, maintenance, logistics, and sustainment solutions, supplying high-quality, independent, and cost-effective products, services, and solutions to the aerospace industry.