VistaJet recently tasked RUAG MRO International with providing a minor modification on the quick access recorder (QAR) for its Bombardier Challenger 850. The existing QAR unit has been upgraded to μQAR with USB standards to support a faster and more direct flow of flight data to the operator's flight data management department. The solution also adjusts the location of the μQAR within the avionics bay environment enabling easy access. Engineering and upgrade support was provided at RUAG's business aircraft facilities at Munich-Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany.

The modification replaces the Challenger 850's existing system based on data cartridges, so that it relies instead on μQAR and USB and secure digital (SD) card interfaces. Prior to the μQAR upgrade, the data cartridges needed to be physically removed and sent to the operator's FDM department for read out. An exchange cartridge was then inserted into the QAR system for the next flight segment.

The RUAG μQAR upgrade is said to offer a significant impact on the full data transmission process in terms of effectiveness, flow of information and pilot workload. Its USB interface ensures the pilot is able to forward the data directly to their FDM over email or exchange server using assigned personal devices. The upgrade saves the operator time and enables it to improve scheduling accuracy, contributing to the efficiency of its overall operations. “Foremost, transmission of the aircraft data to the operator's FDM department is now as immediate as possible. These improved conditions ensure the operator can take full advantage of enhanced operational flexibility, thus improving its profit options,” states Christian Karl, head of sales business jets, RUAG MRO International. The RUAG team has already completed the second upgrade of this kind for its Bombardier Challenger 850 customer VistaJet.

“Our team is ready to install the upgrade in conjunction with a scheduled maintenance visit so operators can optimise both time and costs. Otherwise, operators should schedule one day for the turnaround time,” he adds.

Pilots use the μQAR to transmit the data to their FDM over their laptop in two ways: using a USB interface by cable or USB stick or by accessing the installed SD card.

“Our engineering expertise provides the basis for all of our aircraft services and is crucial to our one-stop shop approach to business jets MRO,” emphasises Volker Wallrodt, RUAG senior vice president business jets, military and Dornier 228.