FANS Over Iridium and Voice Solutions For the Cockpit & Cabin AEA Convention, Nashville, TN - March 14 th, 2014 Presented by Bruce Bell, Director Product Support
Iridium Network Advantages True Global Coverage Satellite Redundancy Polar Routes are now being used by General Aviation & Air-Transport Superior to HF/VHF. Coverage over land masses & typical Air Traffic Routes. Iridium Coverage The Inmarsat Network does not cover the polar regions (North or South) or some parts of northern Canada or northern Russia Inmarsat Coverage 2
Cockpit to Cabin Solutions Iridium System Operations Passengers - Voice communications - Low-speed Communications - Personal Device Connectivity Cabin Crew - Voice communications - Medical Operations & Communications - Moving Maps Flight Crew - Voice communications - ACARS - Airline Operations Center (AOC) - Air Traffic Services (ATS) - Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) 3
ACARS Overview ACARS Aircraft Communication Addressing & Reporting System ACARS was first developed in the 1970 s. Digital Data Link System Point-to-point service that sends air-to-ground messages or receives ground-to-air messages Allows Flight Departments to communicate with aircraft in their fleet Allows Aircraft to access various services provided by ACARS Service Providers Multiple mediums VHF, HF, and SATCOM (Iridium and Inmarsat) 4
ACARS - Equipment Standards Initial ACARS Systems designed to ARINC-597 Specification Upgraded in late 1980 s to ARINC-724 Characteristics. ARINC-724 addressed aircraft installed with avionics supporting digital data bus interfaces. Revised to ARINC-724B, which was the primary characteristic used during the 1990 s for all digital aircraft. ARINC-758 specifies a Communications Management Unit Operates as a bridge/router to transfer data link messages over VHF, HF, satellite, & SATCOM data link mobile air/ground communications networks. 724B 758 Specification for an ACARS MU for ARINC 724B wiring. Typically low speed interface. Specification for a CMU relative to ARINC 758 wiring, identifies various levels of functionality, defining future growth phases for the CMU. Typically high speed interface. 5
ACARS DataLink - Overview Since the late 80s, equipment such as the Communication Management Units (CMU) or Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU) has been used to deliver additional information. 1 st HF Radio HDL A429 MCDU CMU ICS-220A (Iridium) (AKA Satcom) HF Radio-2 HDL VHF Radio (VDL) Iridium Satcom now accepted as viable for FANS communications in Oceanic and Remote areas and provides a good global backup for data and voice. HF Station HF Station Iridium Gateway VHF Station ATC VHF Station VHF Station Service Provider Service Provider 6
History of FANS History of FANS In 1983, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) chartered the Special Committee on the Future Air Navigation System (FANS) to study the current air traffic infrastructure and recommend changes to support the anticipated growth in air traffic over the next 25 years. 7
History of FANS History of FANS The FANS Committee Identified These Needs: Replacement of the current analog radios with digital air/ground communications. Use of satellite and HF communication systems to provide communication where deployment of line-of sight systems is not practical, such as: Oceanic Domain Global Interoperability Network-enabled systems to support automation in the airplanes and on the ground Transition to a Global Positioning System (GPS) based navigation and landing systems Installation of flight service automation to enable pilots to plan and file flight plans without reliance on flight service specialists. 8
FANS - Benefits Why is there a shift towards Data Link and Future Air Navigation Services? Reduced Separation Between Airplanes = More Efficient & Direct Routes Better Communications Quality (Data vs. Voice) Automatic downlink of AOC Position Reports Potential to utilize Tailored-Arrivals Reduces communication errors between pilot and controller Frees up voice communication channels FANS communications are made up primarily of two key components, CPDLC and ADS-C 9
Controller Pilot Data Link Comms CPDLC Messaging Subset of FANS Example of message sequence 1. Connection request 2. Connection confirm ATS Unit 1 3. Connection now active a.) REQ F350 b.) Climb F350 c.) WILCO 4. Disconnect 10
Automatic Dependent Surveillance ADS-C (Contract) Another Subset of FANS Example of contract being setup at the Communication Service Provider (CSP) Types of Contract: 1. Periodic (Defines report period) 2. Event Driven (ex. Waypoint change) 3. Demand (One-shot report) All contracts initiated and managed by the Ground system. 11
FANS 1/A Over Iridium (FOI) Fans Over Iridium leverages Iridium Network's Global coverage Utilizes efficient Short Burst Data (SBD) communications Provides a single, communications link between Aircraft and Ground based systems Iridium Satcom System utilizes standard ARINC-741 protocols Interfaces seamlessly in place of a traditional Inmarsat system Iridium Inmarsat Classic 6-MCU SDU 8-MCU HPA 4-MCU RFU Large Antenna High power requirement 2-MCU SDU Low profile Antenna Low power requirement *All components & sizes may vary by Manufacturer 12
FANS Over Iridium Trials concluded in early 2011 with favorable results and FAA endorsement of PARC CWG recommendations for FANS 1/A Over Iridium in June, 2011. Many Airlines are now adopting FANS Over Iridium as a viable solution for Data Link communications including Boeing FOI Service Bulletin options using the ICS-220A Regional authorities are now adopting the principles of FANS1/A and the Global Operational Data Link Document GOLD provides guidance for implementation and operational use Within the USA, approval was granted for the FIRST FANS Over Iridium STC by the FAA, utilizing the ICG NxtLink ICS-220A system within the FANS1/A equipage on September 5 th, 2013 13
Link2000 Applies Only to Europe Europe s SESAR/Link2000 now in full motion, requiring PM-CPDLC via VDL-Mode 2 above FL285. ALL Aircraft to have a compliant system by February 5 th, 2015 Recent European Commission letter to GAMA indicates consideration to those with compelling reason may not be penalized by ANSPs above FL285 (Through Dec 31 st, 2015) FANS equipped AND operationally approved Aircraft will be exempt from mandate Link2000 exemptions may apply for certain Airframes with older avionics equipment 20 year old aircraft that will cease operation by December 31 st, 2017 will also be exempt. 14
And if I m not compliant? 15 Aircraft not suitably equipped or without an exemption under the Data Link Services Implementation Rule will be required to fly below FL285 FL285
Link-2000 is not Global Outside of Europe FANS is being adopted and in some cases Data Link may be mandated 16
North Atlantic Data Link Mandates North Atlantic Tracks (NAT) moving towards a Performance Based Network to achieve reduced separations and greater efficiency in this near saturated region. 2 core OTS tracks between FL360 & FL390 now require FANS1/A CPDLC and ADS-C equipage Phase 2A from 5 February 2015: FL350 to FL390 (inclusive) all tracks within the NAT Organized Track System (OTS) Phase 2B from 7 December 2017: FL350-FL390 (inclusive) throughout the ICAO NAT Region Phase 2C from 30 January 2020: FL290 and above throughout the ICAO NAT Region ATS Surveillance Airspace Not included in NAT Data Link Mandate 17
Cost of Non-Compliance Many long range aircraft may be affected depending on capabilities: Can you achieve >FL390? Consider ISA temperature variances that affect performance and range Cost of fuel burn at < FL360 At lower altitudes the aircraft may burn at least 10% more fuel. Higher cruise speed to keep up with airliners could increase fuel flow by an additional 10% as well. May need to fly outside the North Atlantic Core Tracks initially, and eventually, only the Blue Spruce Routes 18
Regional/State Specific Information ICAO GOLD document provides guidance on operational availability and procedures for each Flight Information Region (FIR) Adoption of a global, common philosophy on DataLink operations is rapidly growing with GOLD providing For CPDLC, ADS-C, FMC WPR, guidance to all ICAO member States O=Operational, T=Trial, N=Not available 19
Achieving FANS Over Iridium Achieving a FANS Over Iridium (FOI) Solution requires a number of building blocks Iridium Global Network Design- Installation Approval FOI Installation Operational Approval ICG DataLink Satcom FANS Capable Flight deck 20
Capabilities and Requirements Within FAA authority, updates to Aircraft Operational specifications (OpSpecs) or letter of authorization (LOA) may be required for FANS-1/A operations under the following suggested guidance: Aircraft DataLink system design approval Guidance - AC 20-140 Rev B Guidelines for design approval of Aircraft DataLink communications systems supporting Air traffic services (ATS) + Operation Operational authorization Guidance - AC 120-70 Rev B Operational Authorization Process for use of DataLink communication System Equipment interoperability and performance criteria for required communications performance Operational system performance and crew awareness (Training) 21
Iridium System Overview Ext 11 Jetphone Left MCDU Right MCDU Crew MCDU MU/ CMU/ DMU ARINC 429 ARINC 429 ARINC 429 ARINC 429 3 TX pairs ARINC 429 Circuit 6 RX pairs ARINC 429 Circuit FAX Antenna Coax 1 LBT Voice/Data Iridium Antenna ICS-120A/220A Antenna Coax 2 SBD Modem (ACARS Datalink) RS-232 (Data) Serial port 1 RS-232 (Data) Serial port 2 Ext 12 Ext 13 Ext 14 4-wire Audio Port 15/MCDU 4-wire Audio Port 16/MCDU 2 MIC bias circuits Sigma 7 Backlit ephone Cordless Classic Sigma7 ACP/AIU Airshow or MCDU audio (Pilot) MCDU audio (co-pilot) Tempus Medical or SELCAL chime Credit Card Calling In-Use Alert(s) Flap Discrete (Relay) Station notifications Etc. 8 Signal Input Circuits 8 Signal Output Circuits (Discretes) 2-wire POTS service Jack (station 11) Utility External SIM Reader Configuration Storage CIM Module UniLink 22
General Aviation - Connectivity Example of Cockpit connectivity for FANS Operations using UL-80X Management System ICS-120A/220A Satcom ACARS DataLink via A-429 bus for off-aircraft communications. CDU/MCDU DataLink and CPDLC menus are driven by Management Unit (UL-80X) Flight Management System Upgrades/Updates required DataLink recording is required GPS and Navigation Sensors may require Upgrade or Updates for RNP4 23
Example Iridium Data Link & Voice UNS-1Lw FMS Iridium Antenna Crew - Extension 11 Bulkhead Cradle VIP - Extension 12 Docking Station Voice 2 channels Data Link 1 channel ICS-220A Ext 11 Galley/Crew 2-Wire Audio A-429 A-429 Ext 12 ACARS Data VIP 2-Wire Audio Ext 15 RS-232 Pilot 4-Wire Audio Circuit Data Co-Pilot 4-Wire Audio A-429 UL-801 MU FMS Display Unit External SIM Reader Configuration Storage CIM Module Cockpit Dialing control ARINC-739a MCDU or CDU 24
DataLink Resources GOLD Everything you need to know about Global DataLink Operations AC 20-160 DataLink Recording AC 20-140B Design Approval of Aircraft DataLink systems AC 120-70B Operational Authorization process for DataLink communications Link to FAA On-line DataLink resources via www.icg.aero/gold EUROCONTROL Link-2000+ resources available at http://www.eurocontrol.int/link2000/public/subsite_homepage/homepage.html For consultation regarding solutions and assistance in locating Contractor and STC resources sales@icg.aero +1 (757) 947-1030 ICG Customer Service & Product Support 24 / 7 / 365 Technical Support Integration and application assistance Warranty, Repair & Return Administration Product Training techsupport@icg.aero +1 (757) 947-1060 www.icg.aero 25
The Future of Satcom Voice The use of Satcom voice as an approved Long Range Communications Service medium is undergoing a number of reviews and trials to standardize procedures and required performance standards. ICAO Inter-Regional Satcom Voice Task Force released the first edition of Satcom Voice Guidance Material (SVGM) in July 2012. 26
Iridium Support for ATS Voice Ground-to-Air Air-to-Ground Courtesy of Iridium LLC 27
Longevity through Iridium NEXT Courtesy of Iridium LLC 28
Iridium NEXT Enhancements Courtesy of Iridium LLC 29
Iridium NEXT Enhancements 30
ICG Product Training Instructor led courses by those who use and support the Products on a daily basis Operation & Flight-Line Maintenance Courses are ideal for Installation Centers & Operators looking for a true & intimate knowledge of the product(s) in question. All aspects of the product from Installation requirements to flight-line troubleshooting and diagnostics are covered. 31
Thank you for your time We look forward to supporting you in the future! Questions? www.icg.aero/fans.aspx 32