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.”