Connected Aerospace

The U.S. Navy’s MIDS-JTRS terminal and tactical targeting networking technology waveform could equally support the Air Force’s future airborne networking architecture, defense companies believe.

Air Combat Command’s EQ-4B and E-11A Battlefield Communications Node fleet have served as high-flying combat comms relays for eight years and counting.

Nascent space–based surveillance company Aireon has joined forces with flight tracking specialist FlightAware to offer airlines a Web-based aircraft tracking tool, which will provide updates every 1 min.

European business aircraft brokers and operators have been the victims of cyberattacks in increasing numbers, said London-based BACA, the Air Charter Association. It appears a “sophisticated criminal community” is targeting the business aviation sector and has hacked into broker and operator internal communication systems to gain access to bank accounts and trading information, BACA said. Attacks have taken place throughout the UK and Europe, it said. The rise in attacks was reported during the 438th meeting of the BACA Council, it said.

TrueNorth Avionics has introduced Simphone Pro, its latest cabin communications system, with a special upgrade program for legacy Simphone installations. The company says upgrading requires no more than pulling out the old system and plugging in the new. The upgraded unit is a 4MCU offering Wi-Fi, high-fidelity telephony, with a full-featured VoIP PBX, enterprise email and seamless connectivity for smartphones and other personal electronic devices. The system is available with and without dual Iridium voice and data channels.

Rockwell Collins has received authorization to sell satellite connectivity services in Brazil, the company said. The license, authorized by Anatel, gives Rockwell Collins the ability to sign distribution and service agreements with companies and customers operating in Brazil, the company said. Rockwell Collins is a reseller for Inmarsat and Iridium satellite services.

From meager beginnings, this small Miami-based avionics is fast becoming a global powerhouse to supply the backbone for aircraft connectivity.

While Iridium has been able to raise the $3 billion needed to build and orbit the new system, which includes spares for backup, getting back to space has been a challenge.

Aircraft are ever more connected to the internet, in the cabin, the cockpit and to the maintenance shop.

Satellite fleet operators old and new see rising growth in aeronautic, maritime broadband.

When aerospace executives look at digital opportunities, too many use the traditional technology lens without sufficiently evaluating business model impacts.

Now that connectivity is virtually a given, airlines are beginning to look up and down the value chain for low-cost upgrades that generate big savings.

Over the next decade, worldwide IFE component and modifications work is expected to generate more than $18 billion in demand.

ISRO’s satellite center will help train companies to assemble and test spacecraft.

Thales and satellite operator SES have signed two intertwined agreements to offer a new connectivity service over the Americas, claiming “optic fiber-like” speed.

Paper accounts for about 90% of all commercial airliner maintenance records globally, which increases the risk of incomplete information.

Big data in commercial aviation MRO can allow us to reduce staffing and inventory while improving efficiency.

With high volumes of demand, Chinese aircraft operators have begun equipping their aircraft with in-flight connectivity.

Digitization of the aerospace and defense industry could be one of the biggest changes in the next five years.

It’s reasonable to ask just how reliable are FANS and its constituent parts.

What crews should know about the Future Air Navigation System

While the advantages of ADS-C/CPDLC (or FANS 1/A) are legion, the datalink component is not without its pitfalls that can confuse the inattentive flight crew or one grown complacent due to the automation that characterizes the system.

With each new generation of aircraft, we are treated to levels of automation unparalleled in performance and reliability.

As the avionics-maker sees the finish line on a crush of Pro Line Fusion integrated cockpit certifications, engineers are turning to the next challenge.

Major players in the satellite-delivered cabin connectivity sector are forecasting upbeat industry trends as they make headway in lining up contracts and installing kits.