A Total T-17 Transformation: Scandinavian Avionics Signs Important Contract with the Danish Armed Forces

On December 19, 2023, the Danish Ministry of Defence and Scandinavian Avionics A/S (SA) signed a mutual framework agreement, handing over their SAAB T-17 fleet to the avionics specialists from Billund. Here, our team will deliver complete installation kits for the entire fleet of 26 aircrafts and perform the extensive upgrades on at least 10 of the aircrafts. The design of the solution is performed in close collaboration between the Danish Airforce and SA as well as a comprehensive training program has been delivered for the technicians of maintaining the aircraft in the daily operation. It is safe to say that Christmas arrived a bit early this year.

Avionics, flight safety, and majestic aluminum birds. Three things that make up the very DNA of Scandinavian Avionics. Therefore, it is with great pleasure and pride that we look forward to the Danish Armed Forces handing over their T-17 fleet for an extensive upgrade.

The upgrade consists of a complete cockpit refurbishment. The purpose of the upgrade is to make sure that the T-17 fleet is up-to-date and equipped to provide an easier transition from the trainer aircraft to the more modern cockpits of the mission platforms operated by the Airforce, a.o. the F-35. In addition, the upgrade extends the life of the T-17 where obsolescence of the old instrumentation was an increasing challenge, and the modified aircraft is also subject to a considerable weight saving which in turn reduces fuel consumption.

“The contract will be a good contribution to our other modification programs, keeping our hangar and production department busy for the vast majority of 2024 and 2025, and our team of avionics engineers are keen to manufacture installation kits and install the upgrades in the T-17 fleet. This is a very ambitious project, and we are proud and honoured to partner with the Danish Airforce to lift the aerial capacity to the next level,” says Michael R. Truelsen, CEO of Scandinavian Avionics.

Out with the Old, in with the New

The T-17 fleet consists of 26 aircraft which will be completely stripped of their analogue equipment. The upgrade will essentially give the aircraft a whole new human interface. Digital touch screens, wireless uploading, EIS (Engine Indication System), new tools for navigation and communications as well as transponders with ADS-B capability.

“Not only do the T-17 aircraft receive a total transformation from analogue to digital, but the upgrades will also result in a severe reduction in the need for maintenance in the future,” Michael R. Truelsen adds.

The award is a tribute to our turn-key offering and a result of a true team effort, and we cannot wait to see the remaining T-17’s roaming the skies - with a beautiful new cockpit.

Read more: The Danish Armed Forces’ T-17 aircraft are being upgraded with new digital instruments

If you wish any further information about the T-17 project, or want to inquire about our different services, please do not hesitate to reach out to Carina R. Truelsen, Marketing and Commercials, by phone at +45 79 50 80 07 or by email [email protected]