[Avionics Today 07-16-2015] Satcom Direct’s FlightDeck Freedom now supports aircraft equipped with Rockwell Collins CMU-1000 datalink systems as well as aircraft equipped with a Universal Avionics UniLink UL-800/801 Communications Management Unit (CMU) operating simultaneously with Honeywell’s Aircraft Flight Information Services (AFIS) Data Management Unit (DMU), providing a path for legacy AFIS DMU-equipped aircraft to become Future Air Navigation System (FANS)-compliant. FDF supports all FANS/LINK 2000+ equipment and will be compatible with all future upgrades to other avionics, according to Satcom Direct.
The technology integrates features and functionality including clearances, weather, trip planning, and monitoring onboard connectivity status. The FDF interface also enables FANS operational testing, including testing to validate configurations and to troubleshoot FANS functionality and crew procedures.
The UniLink UL-800/801 CMU upgrades are certified for installation on Gulfstream models GV, GIV, GIVSP, and additional aircraft types will be certified in the future. The mode of communication can be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual aircraft. Satcom Direct expects certification of the CMU-1000 system late this year for Falcon 50EX/2000/2000EX and Challenger 604 aircraft.