Collins releases Terrain Awareness & Warning System database update

Effectivity: Global 5000 GVFD, 6000, 5500, 6500, 7500 aircraft 

ATA: 34-48 and ATA: 34-42  

By: Maxime Boyer-Beaucage – Technical Services 

Collins Aerospace recently released Service Information Letter (SIL) Revision 3, 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 096-0040-007 provides updates in Alaska, Guam, parts of the continental U.S., and at several airports worldwide. If your operation requires this HRTDB update, Bombardier recommends scheduling the modification with Collins Aerospace. In addition, if your aircraft is equipped with the second Synthetic Vision System (SVS) option, Collins Aerospace recommends returning both units for concurrent updates. 

Here is a refresher on how the TAWS is structured on the Global 5000 featuring Vision Flight Deck, Global 6000, Global 5500, Global 6500 and Global 7500 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, but due to its size, 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.   

In the event of a change to the HRTDB, Collins Aerospace releases a new version of the Service Information Letter (SIL) CCM-6210-16-1 (CPN 523-0824080), 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_21FEB22 (V626)