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| Swiftbroadband coverage chart. Photo: Satcom Direct |
[Avionics Today 06-10-2015] Rockwell Collins announced that its ARINC aviation communications network is playing a central role in enabling Hawaiian Airlines’ operational evaluation of the Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS) using Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband (SBB) service. SBB enables voice and Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS)/FANS data transmissions when aircraft are flying over oceans, improving safety and efficiency in oceanic airspace.
The trial is being conducted for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Performance-based operations Aviation Rulemaking Committee (PARC) Communications Working Group (CWG). Rockwell Collins is the Inmarsat SBB service provider for the evaluation. The Rockwell Collins ARINC aviation communications network establishes the links and provides a managed service between the Inmarsat ground stations that enable the aircraft to seamlessly communicate and exchange ACARS, Controller–Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and IP connectivity with Hawaiian Airlines’ host systems, ground crews and regulatory agencies anywhere in the world without interruption.
“In addition to gaining an upgraded path to FANS, we’re also in a position to implement electronic flight bag and airline operational communication applications such as timely weather updates, reroutes and fuel planning over a broadband channel,” said Ken Rewick, vice president of flight operations at Hawaiian Airlines.