Category: CONNECTED AIRCRAFT

Connectivity, including onboard Wi-Fi, satellite connectivity solutions, in-flight mobile phone use and personal electronic device use, is ruled by geography, airport infrastructure, airline models and regulatory and economic frameworks, according to experts. We will take a look at the status of these drivers to learn where the industry is, how it drives growth in the market and what is next for connectivity within the aviation industry.

PASSUR Aerospace Completes Integration of Symphony Portfolio

PASSUR Aerospace (PASSUR) announced that it has successfully integrated the Symphony product portfolio and team into the PASSUR organization. As part of the transition, all the key Symphony account management, customer success, finance and technical personnel have joined the PASSUR team. PASSUR is now responsible for the development and maintenance of the Symphony product line, as well as the support of all customer contracts.

“The Symphony team brings a unique combination of talent, dedication and experience in the areas of airport noise management, flight tracking systems and surveillance data services,” said PASSUR CEO Brian Cook. “They are a great addition to PASSUR and will support the continued growth of our business in the global air transport market.”

With this addition, the Symphony product portfolio becomes part of a global commercial aviation organization whose key focus is growth in the global airport / airline Software as a Service (SaaS) and aviation data services market.

PASSUR aggregates data from the world’s largest Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) network, including over 55,000 terrestrial ADS-B sensors, a global space-based satellite ADS-B network, weather feeds, air navigation service provider data, and airline and airport operator data.

Using machine learning /artificial intelligence forecasting and predictions, PASSUR provides airport and airline operators with solutions for real-time situational awareness, alerting, decision support, collaboration, aeronautical fees, and airfield surface management.

Safran to Provide GNSS Simulation Solutions for Xona Space System’s Low-Earth-Orbit Constellation and Navigation Signals 

Orolia, a Safran Electronics & Defense company, has announced a partnership with Xona Space Systems to develop support for Xona’s Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) constellation and navigation signals in its Skydel-powered simulation and testing products. Xona is developing PULSAR – a high-performance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service enabled by a commercial constellation of dedicated LEO satellites.

Xona’s PULSAR service will advance capabilities in global PNT security, resilience, and accuracy by augmenting existing GNSS while also operating as an independent PNT constellation. Xona’s high-power signals utilize modern signal structures and security techniques, adding resilience in challenging RF environments.

Skydel powers Safran’s portfolio of advanced GNSS simulators like the GSG-8.

“Our Skydel GNSS simulation engine will provide support for Xona’s PULSAR signals and satellite constellation to offer OEMs, developers, and integrators a unique tool that enables early testing and validation of Xona’s LEO PNT signal performance,” said Pierre-Marie Le Véel, GNSS Products Director with Safran. 

“Offering a new generation of satellite navigation and timing services allows receiver manufacturers to develop entirely new capabilities for end users,” said Brian Manning, CEO of Xona Space Systems. “Xona’s mission is to enable modern technologies to operate safely in any environment, anywhere on Earth. Having market-proven simulation solutions are critical to support the development of these new applications and technologies, which is why we are excited to be working with Safran to provide next-generation GNSS simulation tools to our partners and customers.”

Sikorsky Selects CMC Electronics Flight Management Systems

CMC Electronics is pleased to announce a new multi-year contract with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, for the supply of its military Flight Management System (FMS) on several Sikorsky helicopter models including the UH-60M, HH-60M, HH-60W, S-70i and the S-70M. The helicopters with CMC’s equipment will be delivered to the US Army, the US Air Force as well as numerous international Black Hawk customers for use in a wide range of missions including search and rescue, troop transport, medical evacuation, disaster relief, aerial firefighting and border patrol.

The CMA-2082MC military FMS is unique as it allows Sikorsky to evolve and customize the FMS capabilities to meet the tactical needs of Black Hawk operators while benefiting from a proven foundation of the helicopter FMS software developed by CMC.

The CMA-2082MC is a complete flight management system with integrated radio management. It features an extensive portfolio of navigation, communications and mission software.  CMC’s modular FMS is powerful and flexible, with the added benefits of small size, low weight and reduced costs.  It continues to demonstrate high reliability while operating in some of the harshest operating environments.

Part of CMC’s broader family of military FMS products, which has been supplying FMS and specific functionalities on various military programs worldwide for over 40 years, the CMA-2082MC continues to evolve with modular, open solutions aligned with MOSA and FACE aircraft architectures.

“Sikorsky and CMC have been collaborating for more than 25 years to ensure that the Black Hawk Flight Management System provides a highly reliable navigation solution with the capabilities needed to enable war fighters to complete crucial missions and save lives,” said Brad Nolen, vice president, sales and marketing. “CMC is excited to partner with Sikorsky on this latest program.”

Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Platform Agnostic In-Flight Connectivity for US Air Force

Northrop Grumman Corporation reports that it has successfully demonstrated the technical capability to connect a full aircraft ecosystem. The company showcased its Software Programmable Open Mission Systems Compliant (SPOC) multifunction processor in a flight test for the U.S. Air Force, highlighting the ability to integrate existing and future platforms using advanced data links.

“With the maturity of our technology, we have the solutions today that will provide unparalleled mission effectiveness,” said Jenna Paukstis, vice president, communications solutions, Northrop Grumman. “We are connecting platforms that will benefit the joint force and provide them with real-time battlespace awareness across air, space, land and sea.”

Advancing technology in solutions like SPOC provide the Air Force with a low size, weight and power radio that is scalable, upgradable and flexible to fit in any platform. The SPOC design also provides an integration environment for next generation communications that can reduce cost, risk and time to deploy.

Flown on Northrop Grumman’s flying test bed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, SPOC connected with a ground station in a live, over-the-air test using advanced waveforms. This flight test is part of a contract with the Air Force to develop and demonstrate a solution to help define the Air Force’s next generation radio approach. Developing SPOC using Northrop Grumman’s software development kit and open architecture will allow the Air Force to introduce new capabilities at speed to meet evolving threats.

Lockheed Martin Selected As Preferred Bidder For JP9102

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) welcomes today’s announcement that it has been selected by the Commonwealth of Australia as the preferred bidder for Project JP9102, the Australian Defence Satellite Communications System.

The multi-billion dollar JP9102 project will provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a sovereign military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) system defined by its extensibility, agility and resilience.

“We are proud to be selected as the preferred bidder to deliver this critical capability to the Australian Defence Force,” said Warren McDonald, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand. “This capability will provide the Australian Defence Force with robust connectivity and reliable information when and where they need it, and by extension, contribute further to the growth and development of Australia’s defence and space industries.”

Lockheed Martin will leverage its deep experience in space-based mission solutions and resilient satellite communications networks for its JP9102 offer.

“We are excited to work with the Australian Defence Force and Australian industry to develop a robust solution for JP9102,” said Robert Lightfoot, Executive Vice President for Lockheed Martin Space. “We are bringing to bear all of Lockheed Martin’s companywide capabilities as well as our commitment to supporting allied nations to provide an operationally proven system that meets mission needs in terms of coverage, capacity, resilience and extensibility of the constellation.”

McDonald added that a significant amount of the content for Lockheed Martin’s proposed JP9102 solution will be via Australian small and medium enterprises and that the company is committed to knowledge sharing and technology transfer.

Lockheed Martin has assembled a diverse team of Australian companies including Inovor Technologies, EM Solutions, AV-Comm, Linfox, Shoal Group, Ronson Gears, Calytrix Technologies, Conscia, Clearbox Systems, DXC and Blacktree Technology to deliver ground and control segments and beyond for JP9102.

Lockheed Martin has also partnered with the Victorian Government to establish Victoria as the engineering and technical hub for the company’s JP9102 solution, an investment that will create more than 200 advanced space industry jobs in the state.

As another example of the priority placed on workforce development, Lockheed Martin Australia recently launched a space-focused education program with STEM Punks, a STEM education initiative to educate, upskill and inspire Australia’s future workforce.

SmartSky and Davinci Jets Announce Expanded Partnership

Connectivity provider SmartSky Networks announced Davinci Jets as its newest sales and installation partner. Davinci Jets, a North Carolina-based aircraft management and charter firm, was the very first aircraft management company to offer SmartSky to its customers. It has since opened a new division, Davinci Jets Services, which provides FAA Part 145 certified, full-service maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities based at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Through the expanded partnership, Davinci is now both a customer and, through its MRO, an enabler for equipping more business aircraft with SmartSky’s unprecedented capabilities that allow the entire aircraft to stay connected nationwide.

Davinci Jets Services is authorized to perform work on a wide variety of airframes and engines including but not limited to many models of Gulfstream, Bombardier, Embraer, Textron, and Pilatus aircraft. Traditionally, it has provided high-quality preventative maintenance and scheduled inspections. Now the operation is adding aircraft modifications to its repertoire for owners/operators and external clientele. “Inflight connectivity is the most requested upgrade and now we can offer the most advanced system, SmartSky,” said Joe Chaundy, Director of Davinci Jets Services. “SmartSky’s greatly-enhanced performance features ensure each passenger can stay continuously connected on multiple devices simultaneously while using the same applications at the same high performance that they do on the ground. As an MRO, we want a fast and easy installation that minimizes downtime for the aircraft. SmartSky delivers the speed our customers need in both connectivity performance and installation.”

“We are proud to partner with Davinci in a bigger way. Because they are a leading provider of customized management, charter, and MRO services, they are committed to offering the best available solutions for their customers,” said Aria Bahawdory, director of MRO Account Management for SmartSky. “Customers have grown tired of slow inflight connectivity because most Wi-Fi-equipped business jets are using technology that is nearly twenty years old. In order to get better performance, we understand they are now being strongly encouraged by their provider to upgrade, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet without the meaningful improvement you would expect from such an investment. SmartSky enables Davinci customers to get immediate access to the latest technology that will connect the cabin, cockpit, and operations, all in a single installation — and benefit from future SmartSky technology advancements delivered via software updates. The choice is really that simple.”

RTI Announces First Transport Services Segment with FACE 3.1 Conformance Certification and DO-178C DAL A Safety Evidence

Real-Time Innovations (RTI), the software framework company for autonomous systems, announced that RTI Connext TSS has achieved two industry firsts. It is the first Transport Services Segment (TSS) to receive conformance certification to the Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) Technical Standard, Edition 3.1, and it is the first TSS available with RTCA DO-178C Design Assurance Level (DAL) A Safety certification evidence. Connext TSS uniquely delivers a standards-compliant software framework that accelerates the development of modular, open and safety-critical avionics systems.

RTI Connext TSS is the first software framework designed to meet the demanding requirements of data-centric, mission-critical and safety-critical systems. These systems require sharing data in real-time across multiple networks and multiple safety levels, as well as with other system components from different suppliers and operational entities. These critical systems have traditionally required custom, proprietary, single platform integration approaches that are not optimized for scalability, evolvability or ease of integration.

“The U.S. Army PEO Aviation congratulates RTI on their successful FACE Conformance Certification for FACE TSS,” said Mark Chess, CIO Office, U.S. Army PEO Aviation and elected chair of the FACE Consortium. “RTI’s commitment to the FACE Consortium and its expertise in a wide range of hardware and software platforms removes both program cost and risk for delivering best-in-class solutions for next-generation military platforms.”

Connext TSS 3.1 FACE conformance and DO-178C certification evidence were created on top of the DDC-I Deos safety RTOS executing on the North Atlantic Industries, Inc. (NAII) 68PPC2T2080 board. All parties have completed the development of DO-178C DAL A certification evidence for this solution stack. Together, this integrated FACE and DO-178C solution stack with DDC-I, NAII, and RTI provides an immediate commercial foundation for building next generation avionics systems, while reducing both program cost and risk.

“Connext TSS is a critical component of any next generation avionics system,” said Chip Downing, senior market director of Aerospace & Defense at RTI. “Connext TSS coupled with our diverse partner ecosystem accelerates integration while delivering proven real-time performance, scalability and robustness using data-centric, standards-based technologies. It is the obvious choice for platforms requiring both FACE conformance and RTCA DO-178C safety certification.”

RTI remains committed to supporting the FACE ecosystem and leading avionics platforms, ensuring the continuation of additional certifications with FACE 3.1 conformant OSS suppliers, processors and/or board environments. RTI has been a member of the FACE Consortium since 2010, providing unwavering support in the Data Model, Transport Services Segment, and Outreach committees. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3eaFWLi.

ITA Airways First Full-Service Airline to Join Inmarsat and ESA’s Iris Program

The Italian flag carrier will be the first full service airline in Europe to join the ground-breaking program by Inmarsat and European Space Agency (ESA)

Digitally-connected flights to and from Italy will be available from this summer, as ITA Airways rolls out the European Space Agency (ESA) and Inmarsat’s ground-breaking Iris data link technology to the cockpits of its full aircraft fleet, contributing to airspace modernization in Europe.

ITA Airways will be the first full service carrier in Europe to join Iris. The program enables aircraft to fly more fuel-efficient routes by providing digital satellite communications to complement VHF data link, which is nearing a capacity crunch in congested airspace. Without fast and reliable data links between aircraft and the ground, air traffic managers cannot unlock the 8-10% reduction in CO2 emissions identified by EUROCONTROL from improved Air Traffic Management (ATM). Iris will allow ATM players to better anticipate and collaborate to maximize airspace use, reducing the impact of disruptions for passengers while reducing emissions.

The Italian national carrier will equip its full fleet of new Airbus A320neo and A330neo aircraft deliveries with Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband-Safety (SB-S), the award-winning platform flying on more than 230 aircraft globally, which powers Iris. Its aircraft will also play a significant role in Iris demonstration flights, which will take place across European airspace supported by 14 Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) during 2023.

This news comes as five more airlines have now equipped aircraft with Inmarsat SB-S, after Airbus’ Light Cockpit Satcom (LCS) terminal became available to order in December 2022. Current SB-S users include Virgin Atlantic, Jet2, and Transavia Airlines, in addition to ITA Airways and easyJet.

Across the seven European airlines, 72 aircraft deliveries with Airbus LCS installed are anticipated during 2023-2024. Iris-capable Inmarsat terminals across many more of Europe’s commercial airlines will further support the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) masterplan.

“ITA Airways was born to guarantee Italy quality connectivity with a strong focus on the environmental impact through an important investment made in a homogeneous and technologically advanced fleet, which in 2026 will be made up of 80% of new generation aircrafts becoming the greenest fleet in Europe. We are proud to join the Iris programme, which is fully in line with our growth strategy as it reflects two of the core pillars of ITA Airways: sustainability and innovation,” said Alessio Leone, head of Camo operations, at ITA Airways. “ITA Airways is the first full service carrier in Europe with a new fleet fully equipped with this cutting-edge technology by Inmarsat Aviation, delivering operational and environmental benefits.”

Joel Klooster, Inmarsat Aviation’s senior vice president of aircraft operations and Safety, said “We are delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the second airline to join Iris, coming only months after easyJet was announced as the first airline. This shows the impressive momentum that continues to build around the program as it heads towards commercial service introduction in Europe this year, followed by a full global rollout. Iris will mark a transformational step-change in air traffic management, delivering operational and environment benefits for airlines and the aviation industry as a whole, while also enhancing the flight experience for passengers.”

Javier Benedicto, acting director of telecommunications and integrated applications at ESA, added: “We are proud to support the space-enabled digitalisation of Europe’s skies, which will help to make aviation greener. ESA developed the Iris system in partnership with Inmarsat and we welcome ITA Airways as the first full service carrier and the second airline to sign up to use it. Investing in space improves life on Earth.”

SITA’S Datalink Services Aim to Improve Airspace Efficiency in Serbia and Montenegro

Serbia and Montenegro Air Traffic Services, SMATSA LLC, has selected SITA as its primary datalink service provider to comply with a key European Union (EU) mandate that will modernize its air traffic control communications. 

SITA is only one of two providers that can provide compliant datalink services in the EU. Uniquely, SITAcan also offer its services via the new pan-European network service (NewPENS), an upgraded telecommunications network used by many Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) today. SITA is the primary provider of datalink services to 24 EU Member States and a shared provider for a further EU country. 

Under the Single European Sky regulatory framework, ANSPs in the EU must deploy Controller–Pilot Datalink Communications (CPDLC) on a modern Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN). SITA was an active participant in the strategic initiatives supporting this move to the CPDLC mandate in Europe. CPDLC is a more reliable digital-based form of communication to complement conventional voice communications. 

SITA’s ATN, combined with its multi-frequency VHF Digital Link Mode 2 (VDLm2) solution, will enable SMATSA to deploy CPDLC for all routine air traffic control communications, such as clearances, in the upper airspace. The shift to more text-based messages will help the ANSP increase the efficiency, capacity, and performance of air traffic management as air traffic demand grows. 

The digital capability allows for messages to be sent concurrently, and a pre-defined message featurefor receiving/requesting clearances and reporting information. It will enable SMATSA’s air traffic controllers to handle multiple requests and reduce errors caused by misunderstandings between pilots and controllers with voice communications. With improved, increased, and near real-time communication, controllers will have more time to identify aircraft conflicts and offer more optimal routings for aircraft.

Avionica Inks Wireless QAR Agreement with Qatar Airways for G650ER Fleet

Avionica has finalized an agreement with Qatar Executive Airways to install their miniQAR-avCM seamless connected aircraft flight data solution in Qatar’s entire Gulfstream G650 aircraft fleet. Avionica says its miniQAR-avCM is the aviation industry’s “smallest and lightest wireless and most robust flight data solution and provides secure and reliable data transfer in seconds.”

As of today, Qatar’s fleet consists of 15 G650ER aircraft and the executive transport company says it is critical for Qatar to have access to flight data within minutes of landing. This solution will enable Qatar to have full operational control over its data distribution and analytics to ensure the best possible outcomes, according to Avionica.

Avionica’s modular flight data management (FDM) products include certified flight data recorder options and custom installations to fit the operators’ needs.

“Avionica is excited about the installation on the G650ER fleet with Qatar. For thirty years, we have been listening to our customers and we understand Qatar’s requirements for quick access to data and standardization of their fleet under one platform. Our miniQAR-avCM seamless connected aircraft flight data solution packs a punch when it comes to lightweight, reliable, and secure immediate data transfer,” said Claudia Espinosa, vice president of commercial.

The installations of the miniQAR-avCM are targeted to begin in Q4 of 2022. After these installations are executed, Qatar will look to possible expansion on additional fleet types