12 Sep Nextant Aerospace Completes First Flight of Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion® Equipped Challenger 604

Test Aircraft Takes to Air Just 3 Months After Program Announcement at EBACE 2017

CLEVELAND, OHIO, Tuesday, September 12, 2017 –Nextant Aerospace, builders of the 400XTi, G90XT, and newly announced Challenger 604XT, announced today that it had successfully completed the first flight of the Pro Line Fusion® equipped Challenger 604 aircraft. Having just announced the program at EBACE this past summer, the test flight has taken place just 3 months after the launch of the program.

“I’m extremely proud of our development team,” stated Nextant executive, Mark O’Donnell. “The initial system integration went very well and the fact we have now entered the flight test segment of our certification effort is a testament to the great work and collaboration that has taken place between the teams at Nextant and Rockwell Collins.”

The aircraft completed 2 flight segments and will continue with flight test protocols for the remainder of this week before flying the test article to NBAA for the first public showing of the new cockpit next month in Las Vegas.

“The cockpit performed flawlessly today,” stated Nathan Marker, VP of Flight Operations for Nextant Aerospace and Chief Test Pilot. “Having worked on several programs in the past, I am most impressed by the forward fit nature of this integration. Historically, retrofit applications have lacked some of the functionality that can be found with the latest technology seen on new production aircraft. The Pro Line Fusion cockpit not only addresses pending regulatory and obsolescence requirements that the Challenger is facing, it also provides the flight crew with the absolute latest in forward fit technology. The touch-interactive technology that is unique to this system is very intuitive and the overall integration provides exceptional situational awareness for the flight crew,” stated Captain Marker.

Nextant is now scheduling appointments for operators to tour the new cockpit during NBAA next month in Las Vegas.

About Nextant Aerospace

Nextant’s pioneering process for the remanufacturing of business jets is now recognized as an established technical and commercial success worldwide. Their first aircraft, the 400XTi, has posted sales of 70 aircraft in 13 countries. Building on that success, Nextant launched its first turboprop, the G90XT, and has now entered the heavy jet category with the introduction of the 604XT. By utilizing advanced modernization techniques in the areas of avionics, power plant and structural/aerodynamic technology, Nextant offers best in class performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of competitive aircraft.

In 2017, Nextant Aerospace, as part of the Constant Aviation portfolio of companies, merged with Air Services, LLC. The addition of Air Services’ industry leading off-wing expertise in the areas of composite manufacturing, accessory (mechanical, pneumatic and electrical) repair and overhaul, non-destructive testing (NDT), and full in-house landing gear shop has positioned Nextant as a global leader in the field of aircraft sustainment and modernization.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Nextant is the recipient of the Laureate Award for leadership in the field of Business Aviation. For more information, visit www.nextantaerospace.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @nextantaero or join us on LinkedIn.