Fokker Services Group (“Fokker”), an independent integrator in aircraft completions and conversions, is proud to announce the receipt of the EASA Supplement Type Certificate (STC) related to a special mission project conducted in partnership with Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. (“Gulfstream”) and their Japanese international sales representative Marubeni Aerospace Corporation (“Marubeni”), both acting on behalf of the Japan Coast Guard. Applicable STC completion involves the full conversion of a Gulfstream G550 aircraft into a maritime surveillance aircraft. This conversion falls within the scope of Fokker’s Aircraft Completion & Conversion business unit, synonymous with excellence, because of its proven skills and decade long track record. As such, the converted aircraft will support the Japanese coastal authority in various surveillance duties, including responsibilities such as environmental risk monitoring and search & rescue missions for missing people and vessels.
“Fokker takes pride in having been selected by Gulfstream and Marubeni again for this complex and prestigious project. Being the integrator in such complex project can be a challenge and requires certain skills to make it a success. Aligning your own engineering, structural modifications, installations, test-phase, and certification process with the many different parties involved sometimes feels like a balancing act. Fokker is extremely pleased to contribute to the commendable mission of the Japan Coast Guard through a variety of services we provide”, says Roland van Dijk, CEO of Fokker Services Group.
According to Robert Koolen, Sales Director Aircraft Completion and Conversions at Fokker Services Group, “integrating the set of onboard detection equipment and sensors required a complex series of modifications. Our century-long history has brought a lot of knowledge and craftmanship needed in all phases and facets of such a conversion. Thanks to our broad set of capabilities and competencies, such as our design organization certifications, cabin interior and wiring interconnections manufacturing skills and our experienced production team, we were well prepared for the job. It’s great to have our extensive capabilities leading to an EASA approved STC for a Special Mission G550.”
Gulfstream delivered the G550 to Fokker from their worldwide headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, USA. The aircraft interior and exterior has been modified by the program partners and completed by Fokker with the latest state of the art surveillance equipment for conducting long-distance search & rescue missions, a task that aligns exceptionally well with the capabilities of this aircraft type. Gulfstream’s relationship with Fokker and the Japan Coast Guard spans more than two decades, beginning with the delivery of modified Gulfstream GV’s, which are still in service today. With the aircraft converted and applicable EASA STC being released the aircraft will continue its test program.
Fokker Services’ drive revolves around one purpose: exceed reliability expectations to keep aircraft where they belong, in the sky. As a Global Independent Aerospace Service Provider, Fokker Services creates tailored solutions for the maintenance of regional, commercial and military aircraft. The organization engineers, repairs, upgrades, and delivers high-quality solutions, innovating in multiple areas to facilitate and support the competitive operations of its customers. Services range from type certificate holder-related product support services to flight hour based component availability and repair programs, spare parts, engineering, modifications and documentation support. The unique combination of OEM (design) expertise and after-sales support services makes Fokker Services an essential partner for the aerospace industry with facilities in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Fokker Techniek at Aviolanda Aerospace at Woensdrecht airport, is a sister company of Fokker Services and builds on more than a century of experience in complex projects. Due to its strong engineering background, Fokker Techniek specializes in green aircraft completions, conversions, upgrades and refurbishments, both for the VIP Aircraft Market, including Airbus ACJ and Boeing BBJ, and the Special Mission Aircraft Market. Fokker Techniek provides full MRO support to private and commercial aircraft operators including Lease Transition Maintenance, together with extensive capabilities including heavy maintenance, modifications and aircraft painting.
