Thrane & Thrane, a supplier of sophisticated cabin and cockpit satellite communication systems for the aeronautical segment has been strengthened with receipt of Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) certification for its new AVIATOR 700D SwiftBroadband solution.
The AVIATOR 700D is certified to fulfill the RTCA DO-178B Level-D software and DO-254 Level-D hardware requirements, which will make the system compliant to the newest generation of air traffic control system, FANS 1/A (Future Air Navigation System) and voice safety service operations via the system's cockpit data and H+ voice channels.
AVIATOR 700D will play an important part in the introduction of FANS 1/A, which is being introduced to enhance air traffic safety. One of its foundations is the moving of critical Air Traffic Control communication from voice to data communication, which reduces the risk of misunderstandings that can occur on voice links. This improved communication safety is a key goal of FANS 1/A and is necessary to allow the reduced separation of aircraft, which allows aircraft to fly more efficient routes, at their most fuel-efficient altitude.
Satellite communication via the AIVIATOR 700D will provide direct data link communication between the pilot and the Air Traffic Controllers. FANS 1/A is currently in operation in certain high density airspaces but is expected to be introduced to all relevant areas in the near future.
“Thrane & Thrane is excited to be adding its first FANS 1/A compliant system to the well established AVIATOR portfolio of SwiftBroadband solutions,” comments Walther Thygesen, CEO of Thrane & Thrane. “In addition to the new capabilities, the AVIATOR 700D also supports a range of voice and data applications, providing built-in Wi-Fi capability for the connection of tablets and smartphones.”
The AVIATOR 700D joins Thrane & Thrane’s portfolio of SwiftBroadband solutions, consisting the AVIATOR 200, 300, 350 and 700, which supports a range of advanced applications including cockpit voice dialing, in-flight calling and Internet browsing.