Collins releases Terrain Awareness & Warning System database update
Effectivity: Global aircraft equipped with Collins Aerospace Fusion Avionics Suite
ATA: 34-48 and ATA: 34-42
By: Maxime Boyer-Beaucage – Technical Services Collins Aerospace recently released Service Information Letter (SIL) CCM-6210-16-1 (CPN 523-0824080) Revision 4, which notifies operators of updates to the High-Resolution Terrain Database
(HRTDB) found in the Global Aircraft Family’s Terrain Awareness & Warning System (TAWS). The new HRTDB P/N 096-0040-008 provides updates in Alaska, Guam, parts of the continental U.S., Svalbard and at several airports worldwide.
If your operations require this update, Bombardier recommends scheduling the modification with Collins Aerospace. In addition, if your aircraft is equipped with the 2nd Synthetic Vision System (SVS) option, Collins Aerospace recommends returning the two CCM-6210 cards for concurrent updates as HRTDB P/N must be the same on both units. Using different HRTBD P/N may lead to potential discrepancies between synthetic terrain depiction across the flight deck.
Here is a refresher on how the TAWS is structured on the Global 5000 featuring Vision Flight Deck, Global 6000, Global 5500, Global 6500, Global 7500 and Global 8000 aircraft.
The TAWS is hosted in the Integrated Processing Cabinet (IPC 3) across two modules, namely the TAWS Processing Module (TPM-6000) and the TAWS Common Computing Module (CCM-6210). It requires three different databases (DBs) to function: Envelope Modulation Database (EDB); Threat Database (TDB); and High-Resolution Terrain Database (HRTDB).
While most of the DBs used in Collins Aerospace avionics suites are periodically updated, these three TAWS DBs do not require scheduled updates, and no intervallic maintenance activity is required in service. Ad hoc updates are done, and subscribers are notified when a new version becomes available.
The EDB and TDB are available on the Collins Aerospace Portal via annual subscription to the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics content service, platinum package. As part of the same platinum package, the HRTDB, which is also used by the Synthetic Vision System (SVS), is factory loaded to the CCM-6210 since it cannot be updated on-wing due to its size.
In the event of a change to the HRTDB, Collins Aerospace releases a new revision of the above mentioned SIL, where the latest DB Part Number (P/N) is stated, along with instructions to schedule the CCM update at one of their service centre facilities.
As additional information, please note that the latest EDB and TDB versions available on the Collins Aerospace website, at the time this article was published, are as follows:
EDB_T03_23FEB17
TDB_T03_12FEB25 (V644)