ARINC Approves Satcom Devices

International Communications Group (ICG) said its NxtLink ICS-120A and ICS-220A communications devices, providing flight deck voice and data link services over the Iridium satellite network, have passed Avionics Qualification Program (AQP) testing by ARINC, gaining approval for use on the latter’s GLOBALink network.
ICG, Newport News, Va., said these are its first devices certified to serve both the air transport and business jet markets with flight safety communications capabilities.
To qualify for sending ACARS and other data link messages over its network, ARINC requires that satcom systems pass AQP test and compliance procedures.
The ICS-120A incorporates a single Iridium transceiver and a Short Burst Data (SBD) modem and provides connections to customary and standard flight deck voice and data systems. The NxtLink ICS-220A is a three-transceiver device with two channels of voice and an SBD modem dedicated to data link services.