Aviationtoday.com: Integrating Iridium

It’s a truism among military commanders and corporate managers alike: better technology doesn’t necessarily lead to victory. Rather, victory goes to those who use technology better. Likewise, air operators are seeking better performance from aviation communications, through better integration of existing capabilities.

That’s the focus of Aviation Today’s podcast, "Avionics in The Global Air Space: The Growing Need to Fully Integrate Iridium’s Voice and Data Communications in Today’s Cockpit." I interviewed Stylian Cocalides, vice president of Avionica, a Miami-based provider of aircraft data collection and analysis products. You can access the podcast for free at www.AviationToday.com. Here are highlights of our discussion:

Q: How is Iridium used in communications?

A: Iridium is a constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting satellites. The satellites offer both voice and data communications capability. A low-earth orbiting constellation has several inherent benefits. Because there are so many satellites in low orbit, a small antenna can be used, resulting in a more affordable solution. Additionally, unlike other satcom systems, there is more global coverage, even over the poles.

Q: What aircraft are available with Iridium?

A: No production commercial aircraft are currently available with Iridium, though our satLINK product will fly in the Boeing 787 test fleet. Corporate jet OEMs are catching on as well. There is strong demand in the retrofit market, and Avionica already has several Supplemental Type Certificates available, including the Boeing 737, 757 and 767. Many of these aircraft, such as the 757, are flying intercontinental missions never envisioned during the aircraft’s design. Iridium is the only practical solution for this fleet. Several of our retrofit customers are asking Boeing for a forward-fit Iridium option on their new aircraft; we’re confident Boeing will soon make it available.

Q: How does Iridium prepare operators for ADS-B and FAA’s NextGen program?

A: Iridium provides the only globally available communications channel capable of equally delivering ADS-B reports over the continental U.S., the oceans and the poles. Recent tests with New Zealand’s ATC demonstrated that Iridium’s near immediate message delivery is up to the task of ATC.

Q: Why is integration in Iridium’s implementation so important?

A: Modern aircraft have a comprehensive voice and data communications infrastructure in the cockpit and cabin. This includes provisions for both voice communications and terminals for data messaging. When considering a new communications medium, airlines should be able to exploit their entire communications investment, and use their existing infrastructure. When conducting voice communications, for example, airlines should expect that pilots be able to use their MCDUs for dialing and their existing headsets for voice communications. This provides pilots maximum safety and utility, even in emergencies.

Q: What are the practical benefits of Iridium?

A: No other system can provide equivalent worldwide coverage and reliability. Terrestrial VHF and HF radio-based networks are unreliable in remote locations and over water, and Inmarsat has no coverage near the poles, leaving pilots without updated weather, traffic, emergency medical assistance or technical support. Iridium will enable airlines that could never before consider satcom to make the move by providing installed systems at a fraction of the cost of an Inmarsat system.

Q: What’s the integration "value-add" that users should seek?

A: Airlines should first examine the product design itself. Avionics designers are challenged by a rapidly evolving commercial electronics marketplace, whose components endure ever shrinking life cycles to feed consumer demands. By contrast, the certification, installation and training costs inherent in aviation require sustainable designs, often with 15 to 20-year life spans.

Q: What advancements do you predict?

A: The innovation of Iridium is best illustrated by its integration within the familiar cockpit. Dialing, messaging and control all occur through the trusty MCDU. Status is updated on the existing EICAS. Audio is routed through the existing audio system. The beauty of Iridium is how seamless it is in replacing the less reliable HF and Inmarsat long-range communications solutions. The genius is that there is nothing new to learn.