Wingspeed Corp has released two new low-cost XLLink System models designed specifically for the demanding environment and diverse application requirements of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. With the new XLLink System Model L and Model H, fleet operators now have access to a complete, upgradeable line of end-to-end communication solutions for affordable flight tracking, two-way text messaging, voice calling, and Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS)-type data services.

The rugged and compact XLLink System Model L will retail for approximately $3,000.

“Model L offers best of breed flight tracking and Aircraft Situational Display (ASD) capabilities for fleet operators and is aggressively priced to establish Wingspeed as the low-cost provider of global aviation tracking solutions,” said Wingspeed President Jim Becker.

The XLLink System Model L generates and sends messages containing aircraft GPS information to Wingspeed’s ground-based servers via the Iridium Network of low-earth orbiting satellites. Wingspeed properly formats and routes data via a secure internet connection to customers’ operation centers anywhere in the world.

XLLink is fully integrated with Flight Explorer’s ASD software to display and track aircraft in the customer’s operation center. With only a personal computer and access to the Internet, Wingspeed XLLink System customers worldwide can use Flight Explorer’s market leading software to globally track and manage their fleet of aircraft.

The next new “step” in the XLLink product line is the XLLink System Model H. In addition to flight tracking, the Model H offers voice calling capability via the Iridium Satellite Network and utilizes a hand-held PDA or Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) in the cockpit to turn the aircraft into a node on the network. The complete Model H system (not including PDA or EFB) will retail for approximately $8,000 per aircraft.

“The rugged, low-cost Model H makes aircraft tracking, text messaging, and ACARS-type voice and data services affordable for the first time to helicopter and fixed-wing fleet operators,” Becker said.

The FAA DO-160 and D0-178 certified line of XLLink Communication System products are designed to meet commercial avionics-quality standards and satisfy a broad-range of customer needs and budgets while providing a clear upgrade path from one model to the next.

All XLLink System models will be Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) sharing the same equipment footprint, standard aviation sled and ARINC connector.

“This enables a true avionics installation for a quick change of the hardware and easy upgrade from one XLLink System model to the next” continued Becker.

“Now, a helicopter operator that requires inexpensive flight tracking can easily and economically add text messaging, voice and data service capabilities.”

FMI: www.wingspeedcorp.com