Avidyne Leading Development Of VDL-3 Avionics To Support FAA's NEXCOM System

Avidyne Corporation has successfully demonstrated the first commercial NEXCOM VDL Mode 3 radios, which will be the cornerstone of general aviation voice and data communications for the 21st century. This was the first simultaneous voice and data demonstration and the first flight test of any commercial avionics VDL Mode 3 radio.

The demonstration was flown on an FAA test aircraft utilizing the FAA's prototype ground station at the FAA technical center in Atlantic City. All ground station modes were demonstrated during the flight including urgent downlink request, next channel uplink, controller override, and digital voice using 2V2D mode.

Prior to the flight test, extensive formal lab and aircraft ground tests successfully exercised all data and voice modes, including simultaneous voice and data with multiple Avidyne radios communicating with the FAA's prototype ground station. This included the 3V long-range voice modes, exercising the full 200-mile range capability of VDL Mode 3.

"Avidyne was founded to develop revolutionary, low-cost avionics systems, and we are pleased to be the lead developer of NEXCOM systems for general aviation," said Avidyne president Dan Schwinn. "This marks a major milestone for our industry, demonstrating the viability and availability of commercial avionics to meet the aviation communication needs for the next 50+ years."

Avidyne's self contained panel mounted radio was designed to meet the future communication needs for the general aviation market at a reasonable cost, with specifications at least equal to air transport class radios.

Avidyne previously completed a formal demonstration of digital voice with the FAA's ground station in March 2003.

NEXCOM?

NEXCOM is the FAA's radio system of the 21st century. It is an analog/digital system incorporating the latest technological advances in radio communications. NEXCOM will provide capability to accommodate additional sectors and services; reduce logistical costs; replace expensive to maintain VHF and UHF radios; provide data link communications capability; reduce A/G RF Interference and provide security mechanisms. When completed over 46,000 radios will be installed throughout the FAA system. The NEXCOM system will enhance the FAA's ability to meet expanding air traffic control communication demands.

FMI: www.avidyne.com, www.faa.gov/nexcom