Seabird Aviation Australia has announced a major upgrade project for its Seabird Seeker patrol and surveillance aircraft.
The Hervey Bay based manufacturer is introducing a range of structural upgrades to the Seeker, as well as upgrading its power plant to a Lycoming IO-390-A1B6 to improve “hot and high” performance, as well as the ability to mount dual alternators.
Without utilising the primary alternator, the secondary unit will be able to independently supply power to the installed sensor suites, and to better accommodate larger sensor suites the aircraft’s MTOW is being increased.
“The Seeker has proven to be an effective and affordable platform for fitting a range of sensors,” the company says. “To better accommodate this, the aircraft structural layout has been modified, clearing the bottom of the fuselage for the fitment of a large universal sensor mounting frame.
“This tray will attach to the frame via four standardised quick-connect hard points. Sensor providers will be able to integrate their sensors to the universal sensor frame, rather than having to integrate to the aircraft itself. A multitude of quick-change payloads can thus be fitted, to suit each mission requirement.”
The modernised Seabird Seeker will also come with a new glass cockpit as standard. The new avionics suite will primarily feature a Garmin G-500 Electronic Flight Display, an L3-Trilogy ESI-2000 Electronic Standby Instrument, and twin Garmin GNS-430W GPS Navigators.
In addition will be a GTS-330ES Transponder, and a Garmin GMA-347 Audio Panel. To reduce pilot workload during extended missions, an STEC-55X Autopilot and Yaw Damper is being installed. And to complement situational awareness, a GSR-56 Satellite Based Weather System, and a GTS-800 Traffic Advisory System is being fitted.
Engine management will be provided by an Auracle CRM-2100 Digital Engine Management System, and web-based aircraft tracking possible by an IndigoSat One Satellite Tracking System. The aircraft will also be fully IFR-certified, and all the external lightings are being replaced by the latest high efficiency LED versions.
Flight testing of the new Seeker is expected to commence mid-year. The first two examples of the aircraft are currently on the production line and will be delivered to Queensland electricity provider Ergon Energy, which will use the aircraft to survey its network of powerlines.
(Seabird Aviation Australia)
