Blue Sky Network, an Iridium Satellite Communications partner, has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification with an approved model list supplemental type certificate (AML-STC) for Boeing 737 type series for the HawkEye ADT. The HawkEye ADT is an autonomous distress tracking device and solution to satisfy ICAO requirements developed in response to high profile aircraft accidents.
The compact HawkEye ADT unit incorporates an embedded advanced Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) for determining real-time aircraft flight status. It also hosts dual Iridium modems and voice connectivity for100 percent global coverage.
“The HawkEye ADT enables airline operators to be fully compliant with the ICAO-GADSS requirements for autonomous distress tracking,” said Gregoire Demory, president and CEO of Blue Sky Network. “Aircraft delivered after January 1, 2021 need to be in compliance and the HawkEye ADT is the first solution currently available to meet this deadline.”
“Starting in 2015 and leveraging Blue Sky Network’s best of breed products and features, we developed a terrific product to meet the anticipated regulatory requirements. We integrated advanced sensors and processors to allow independent determination of possible distress scenarios without the exclusive reliance on onboard aircraft systems – we made it autonomous,” said Jon Gilbert, founder and CEO of Aircraft Tracking Solutions, Blue Sky Network’s teaming partner.
Beginning in 2015 and concluding in 2016, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted GADSS requirements for autonomous distress tracking (ADT). These measures include independently detecting aircraft distress; activating position reports at least once every minute; and integrating backup power in the event of aircraft power loss. ADT systems raise safety standards to help prevent the loss of aircraft in distress and significantly increase the accuracy and coordination of post-flight recovery efforts.
The ICAO-GADSS requirement is already enforced in some regions and is required for forward-fit aircraft everywhere delivered after January 1, 2021.