Satcom Direct says its FlightDeck Freedom (FDF) datalink service 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 AFIS DMU, providing a simplified upgrade path for legacy AFIS DMU-equipped aircraft to become FANS compliant. The company says FDF supports all FANS/LINK 2000+ equipment and will be compatible with all future upgrades to other avionics.
FDF integrates features including clearances, weather, trip planning and the monitoring of onboard connectivity status.
Along with bringing FANS capabilities to appropriately equipped aircraft, the FDF interface enables FANS operational testing. These capabilities include testing to validate configurations and to troubleshoot FANS functionality and crew procedures, from any location, at any time. Access to the FANS testing facility is offered at no additional charge as part of the FDF subscription. FANS functionality can be tested via the VHF, Inmarsat or Iridium networks using Satcom Direct’s simulated ATS test facility; users conduct the free testing at their convenience, regardless of their location.
The UniLink UL-800/801 CMU upgrades are certified for installation on Gulfstream models GV, GIV and GIVSP. 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 in 2015 for Falcon 50EX/2000/2000EX and Challenger 604 aircraft.
“FANS brings great benefit to business aviation, providing operators with the ability to utilize optimized transatlantic routes,” said Jim Jensen, founder and CEO of Satcom Direct. “This upgrade to the FDF datalink offering significantly expands the aircraft types that can utilize FANS and brings peace of mind to operators as they make the transition. This is all part of our strategy to deliver the latest technologies to reduce pilot workload and contribute to more efficient aircraft operations.”
To encourage more operators to upgrade their datalink terminal equipment for FANS, Satcom Direct is offering free access to its FDF datalink services on new installations, for a limited time.
