First FANS Over Iridium System To Achieve FAA C159c TSO Certification

The FAA has granted TSO-C159c certification to Satcom Direct for its FANS-1/A Data Link Unit (DLU), making it the first system to achieve FAA approval for FANS over Iridium flight deck data communications. FAA TSO-C159c is the latest standard and with this achievement, the company continues to make it easier to become FANS-1/A compliant.

The DLU, previously the first Iridium data link to receive FAA TSO-C159a in April 2015, has now met an additional certification milestone without any changes to the system’s software or hardware. Mark van Berkel, General Manager of SD’s avionics division says, “TSO certification makes it simpler to obtain an STC, easing installation, while allowing owners and operators to both reap the benefits of more efficient routes, and preserve the critical safety features of FANS-1/A compliance. This accomplishment is a testament to the DLU’s robust software and hardware design, which has been demonstrated to meet the latest minimum operational performance standards— RTCA/DO-262 MOPS - for operators who want to comply with the 2020 ADS-C mandate.”

“We see increasing demand for FANS—Future Air Navigation System—over Iridium solutions,” said Jim Jensen, SD Chairman and CEO. “Our DLU plays a key role in flight deck safety and we constantly evaluate technology to bring the best solutions and support to our customers. That it also dovetails with our FlightDeck Freedom solution offers operators a complete solution for the flight deck.”

FANS over Iridium data link systems are cost effective and operate globally giving aircraft flight-deck data connectivity regardless of flight path. “Our customers required the latest aviation standard. We listened, understood their needs and delivered—this is our way,” explained van Berkel.

(Source: Satcom Direct news release)

FMI: www.satcomdirect.com