EASA approves TAM’s LPV-modification for the Saab 2000

Örebro, Sweden: On Friday, August 10^th, TAM’s new, easy-to-install, LPV-solution for the Saab 2000 was fully certified by EASA (LPV – localizer performance with vertical guidance). Following the EASA certification, a corresponding FAA validation is in progress.

The smart and easy-to-install LPV-modification kit for the Saab 2000, developed in-house in collaboration with Canadian CMC Electronics, is tailor-made for the Saab 2000 and allows the cockpit layout to be virtually unaltered, utilizing current screens. When installed, modified aircraft will be able to make high-precision approaches to any airport, where older ILS-systems have been replaced with a GPS-based LPV solution due to cost. The LPV or RNP Approach equipped aircraft will be mandatory in Europe in early 2024.

Beginning this spring, the first system has been the subject of extensive live testing in a Saab 2000, equipped with a Collins Proline 4 system, where the actual aircraft is the Saab 2000F prototype. As the first compliance flight tests were successfully performed, a parallel EASA-/FAA-certification programme has been ongoing, with the final EASA test flights done early this summer.

• “This exciting LPV-modification package, now on offer to Saab 2000 operators, actually began as a customer request” says Pär Gulle, TAM Managing Director.
• “As a major Saab 2000 operator realized last year that part of their traffic program would be affected by some airports retiring their ILS-systems, our engineering department was tasked to find a solution that would be as easy to install as to use. Now, the system is airborne and certified, thanks to our engineers’ deep knowledge of the Saab 2000, combined with a creative ability to ‘think outside the box’,” Pär Gulle states.
• “Finally, I also wish to thank EASA for a positive and highly supportive approach to this, meeting us with a professional attitude which was essential to the successful outcome,” Pär Gulle says.

For further information, please don’t hesitate to contact either

Mr Pär Gulle, Managing Director, par@tam.se, +46 19 24 10 88 / +46 706 855 855,
Mr Peter Thume, Maintenance Director, peter@tam.se,  +46 19 24 10 88 / +46 706 355 355 or
Mr Bengt Sjödahl, P21 Design Office, bengt.sjodahl@tam.se, +46 766 774 306

Click here for the media release

Below, please find some photos of the actual, discrete and non-interfering flight deck installation of the LPV controls. For a high-res version, please click on the picture or send an email to Anders Annerfalk.

All photos are free for editorial use, please quote “Photo: TAM”.