Universal Avionics has been selected as a lead supplier of integrated flight decks for De Havilland Canada's firefighting aircraft, including retrofit and forward-fit solutions for the CL-215T, CL-415 and DHC-515 to support aerial firefighting operations with NextGen flight display, flight management, data communication and connectivity systems.

Universal Flight Management Systems (FMS) have been used in aerial firefighting operations for decades and continues to grow, with several operators moving into this agreement with De Havilland Canada. The DHC-515 Firefighter is the latest in the line of Canadian amphibious aircraft, building on the history and ruggedness of the CL-215 and CL-415. Important upgrades are being made with the DHC-515 to increase the functionality and effectiveness of this legendary firefighting aircraft, which will now feature Universal Avionics' state-of-the-art navigational instruments for enhanced safety and improved situational awareness.

"We are truly excited to be working with Universal Avionics on this key program for De Havilland Canada,” says Jean-Philippe Côté, Vice President of Programs and Business Improvement at De Havilland Canada. “Their long tradition of innovation, and the versatility of the systems they provide, are going to be key enablers to sustain our aircraft in customer operations for years to come.”

“Our success in retrofit and forward-fit solutions with De Havilland Canada demonstrates the versatility of Universal's solution and its role as a leading avionics provider in the Aerial Firefighting market,” says Dror Yahav, CEO of Universal Avionics. “Mission-driven solutions for these popular firefighting aircraft help make aerial firefighting operations safer and more efficient.”

Universal Avionics' aerial firefighting flight deck is based on its latest-generation InSight flight display system. The solution includes five LCD displays, dual touchscreen controllers, dual FMS, KAPTURE voice and flight data recorders, and is complemented by UA's Connectivity Ecosystem and data communication system. Displays present comprehensive flight information, engine indication, and alert messages. Flight crews are able to interact wirelessly with the system in-flight and facilitate comprehensive maintenance tracking through UA's cloud-enabled data services and third-party providers.

De Havilland Canada continues to grow its engineering, manufacturing, maintenance repair, and overhaul teams across Canada, having purchased Mid-Canada Mod Centre (MC2) and Avionics Design Services (ADS), which have worked on Universal Avionics installations, upgrades, and modifications for decades.

MC2 and ADS' leadership team will remain in place, and the company will operate as a subsidiary of De Havilland Canada.