Displays Color Weather Graphics Over VDL Mode 2 Data Link
Aero-News has learned
that airlines seeking an economical way to deploy data-intensive
applications such as color weather graphics for the cockpit may
soon find a solution with ARINC Incorporated. In a recent flight
test, ARINC sent full color NEXRAD weather images rapidly from the
ground to the cockpit, using standard ACARS data link messages
transmitted over high speed VDL Mode 2 (VDLM2).
During the flight, the speed of VDLM2 data link allowed the
flight crew to view a NEXRAD color image of Florida thunderstorms
within 20 seconds after sending a request.
The operational test was conducted outside Washington, DC for
the Air Force Flight Standards Agency. The equipment included a
Class 2 electronic flight bag (EFB) operating ARINC-developed
software applications integrated with the aircraft’s VDLM2
ACARS data link avionics. The ARINC-developed weather display
application interfaced directly with ARINC’s graphical
weather service on the ground.
And furthermore, ARINC says the solution is customizable --
ARINC has the capability to port an airline’s own weather
products and capture custom graphics such as turbulence plots for
transmission to the cockpit. In addition, ARINC’s graphical
weather service is suitable for most Class 2 or 3 EFB
installations, regardless of the hardware manufacturer or
airframe.
"We recognize that airlines prefer to have the same weather
information in front of both their flight crews and their
dispatchers," stated Ron Hawkins, ARINC Vice President, Commercial
Aviation Solutions. "Our solution, utilizing ARINC’s VDLM2
data network, is customizable, to allow airlines to use the weather
products they prefer, including their own applications."
With its high capacity, VDLM2 offers airlines proven reliable
VHF data link connectivity between the ground and the aircraft.
Over 10% of the U.S. passenger fleet is already equipped with
VDLM2, and the avionics are now standard equipment on most new
airframes.
"The market has reached
a critical mass with so many VDL Mode 2 equipped aircraft in
service, and cockpit devices such as EFBs are becoming more
common," continued Hawkins. "As a result, many carriers are eager
to implement new data-intensive flight applications, and ARINC can
help with their implementation. In addition, our VDL Mode 2
network, deployed and operational from coast to coast, delivers the
capacity they will need for real-time color graphics and other new
applications to enhance flight safety and convenience."
ARINC Incorporated develops and operates communications and
information processing systems and provides systems engineering and
integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation,
defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide
reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC
is headquartered in Annapolis, MD, and operates key regional
offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,200 employees
worldwide.