Press Release
Issued by Thales.
June 17, 2013
Leading satellite communications supplier Cobham significantly strengthens its position in the airborne connectivity market with the announcement of the AVIATOR S series. The new product line is the latest addition to its highly-regarded AVIATOR portfolio of airborne satellite communication systems, ranging from the AVIATOR 200 to the AVIATOR 700D.
The development of the AVIATOR S series terminal and antenna product family has been driven by the latest specifications formulated by the Air Transport Air-to-Ground- Communications working group (ARINC 781), along with anticipated requirements for safety services and network domain separation for air traffic control (ATC).
The first system to be made available will be the AVIATOR 200S – a unique, compact two LRU (Line Replacement Unit) satellite communication system which will exploit the unique features of the Inmarsat SwiftBroadband packet data communication system.
AVIATOR 200S will combine the provision of SwiftBroadband Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting Systems (ACARS) data services for Air Traffic Control and Aircraft Operation with an Internet Protocol (IP) data pipe for the transfer of operational and flight data to ground maintenance and control facilities, or real-time weather and other flight relevant information updates to EFBs (Electronic Flight Bags) or flight management systems.
The system will meet the requirements for FANS 1/A operations as well as the support of anticipated satellite service requirements for LINK2000 in Europe and Next Gen in the United States air spaces.
Walther Thygesen, vice president of Cobham SATCOM, said: “Cobham is committed to the concept of the 'connected aircraft' and understands the increasing requirements for real-time data connectivity between an airline and its fleet of aircraft for the purpose of air traffic control, aircraft operation and maintenance and passenger services.
“The new capabilities of the AVIATOR S series will significantly benefit aircraft operations by offering an extremely compact LRU and antenna configuration for safety services, such as FANS-1A and CPDLC and safety voice, over SwiftBroadband. Additionally, it will simultaneously provide data connectivity for non-safety use in the flight deck with tablets, EFB and other data needs in a segregated manner as the S series is designed to the latest ARINC 781 Chapter 8 specifications for safe segregation of data between the aircraft domains.
“We are working very closely with Inmarsat and look forward to final safety services approval of SwiftBroadband and bringing this new generation of airborne satcom to the market and our customers in the near future.”
Key characteristics of the AVIATOR 200S system include:
• A unique 'two box' solution which is smaller, lighter and more cost effective than current generation satellite communication systems, while offering IP/ACARS data combined with voice services
• A new Compact Satellite Data Unit (C-SDU) which is deployed with a unique, phased array antenna with built-in Diplexer, Low Noise Amplifier (DLNA) and High Power Amplifier (HPA)
• A form factor which enables IP/ACARS data communications for all sizes of air transport aircrafts from regional to large oceanic crafts
• Versatility between the use of ACARS data and IP data for aircraft operation, maintenance and management services
• The ability to meet the forthcoming standards for network domain separation for air traffic control (ATC) and aircraft operation (AOC) defined by the ARINC 781 chapter 8 specifications
• The use of the latest in high reliability digital satellite communication techniques, ensuring compatibility with future ATC requirements
