 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Continental Accomplishes First Ever Commercial ACARS Over Iridium Communications Using satLINK
Miami FL (SPX) Mar 14, 2008 Avionica is pleased to announce that Continental Airlines has successfully accomplished the world's first ever ACARS (Aircraft Communications and Reporting System) communications in regular commercial passenger service over the Iridium satellite network. Communications were between one of Continental's satLINK-equipped Boeing 737-800 aircraft flying over the Pacific Ocean and Continental headquarters in Houston, TX. In numerous cases, aircraft systems reported that Iridium was the only communications media available. Continental has been successfully using Avionica's satLINK system for voice communications in the Pacific theater for the past year. The aircraft are now being upgraded to include data messaging capabilities. Continental will soon be installing satLINK with integrated voice and data in their fleet of 757-200 aircraft, as well. In early January, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council approved standards and recommended practices (SARPs) that now permit Iridium Satellite to provide Aeronautical Mobile Satellite (Route) Services (AMSS) for commercial aircraft on transoceanic flights. Avionica's satLINK has also been AQP qualified by ARINC and VAQ qualified by SITA for data messaging. "We are installing integrated satellite communications systems on aircraft never designed with SATCOM in mind," states Avionica Vice President Stylian Cocalides. "Changing economics have made aircraft like the 757 and 737 transoceanic carriers, and we're very excited about improving their communications capabilities. It's all about efficiency and safety." "Avionica's system is finding increasing favor because it offers a unique level of avionics integration," noted Stylian. "Voice communications are entirely integrated into the aircraft's audio system using the audio panel, headset, and mic push-to-talk keys for control. satLINK also provides fully- integrated messaging functionality. Popular ARINC 739 MCDUs (or even older- technology ARINC ACARS IDUs) serve as the interactive data messaging (and dialing) terminals. satLINK further interfaces with the ARINC 758 Communications Management Unit to transmit and receive standard data packages over the SITA or ARINC networks, working as a drop-in replacement for any ARINC 741 Satellite Data Unit (SDU). Status messages are available on the EICAS system, and the cabin handset option is a uniquely functional feature -- it uses VoIP technology over the integrated Cabin Wireless LAN Unit (CWLU)." Related Links Satellite Constellation - multiple satellite deployments in LEO and Beyond
satLINK Iridium Now Certified For Installation On Boeing 757 And 767 Fleets
Miami FL (SPX) Feb 13, 2008Avionica is pleased to announce Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 STC availability for satLINK, the Iridium satellite-based voice and data communications alternative. FAA STCs ST03529AT and ST03529AT have been granted to Avionics Support Group (ASG), who now offer our mutual customers both kit fabrication and installation for this product. Avianca, the second oldest airline in the world, was the launch customer. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement |
