US Forest Service calls for avionics upgrade aboard fire mapping plane

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service - Utah Acquisition Support Center, is conducting market research regarding the availability of potential sources to complete the avionics/engine instrumentation refurbishment of plane N149Z, a Beechcraft B200C King Air (this aircraft is currently used for infrared fire detection and mapping). The Forest Service announced the avionics upgrade in a Sources Sought Notice released Friday.

“This will require that all avionics and engine indicating systems be removed to allow for installation of a Garmin G1000 system accompanied by a Becker Audio System,” officials said in the notice. “Several new items installed have upcoming FAA mandates such as ADS-B.”

Companies interested in supporting the project should contact the U.S. Forest Service no later than Sept. 18.