CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, 4 Aug. 2016. China Eastern Airlines engineers have selected Rockwell Collins’ Iridium satellite communications (SATCOM) aftermarket solution with which to upgrade the airline’s fleet of more than 100 Boeing 737commercial passenger jet aircraft. Installations are currently underway.
The voice and data communications solution, installed via a Boeing service bulletin for Next-Generation Boeing 737s, will enable reliable, long-range global voice communications, flight tracking, and Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS). The solution is also capable of enabling Future Airspace Navigation System (FANS) for airlines that need it for their operations.
The Rockwell Collins Iridium SATCOM solution for China Eastern consists of a triple-channel transceiver that includes two channels for exclusive global voice communications and one for short-burst data link communications. It is the first Iridium three-channel transceiver to be approved by Boeing for FANS and safety services.
“Boeing is pleased to work with Rockwell and our mutual customer, China Eastern, to bring this technology to the retrofit market,” explains Bob Dankers, director of Avionics Modifications at Boeing. “We heard our customers’ requests for a Boeing service bulletin to install this voice and data communication technology, which is usable where VHF radios do not operate and also satisfies mandates by the CAAC. This is just one example of Boeing’s commitment to finding retrofit solutions that provide the best customer value at an affordable price.”
“Having an Iridium SATCOM solution that is backed by the aircraft manufacturer ensures support long into the future and helps retain long-term aircraft value,” says Steve Timm, vice president and general manager, Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “On top of that, our solution is affordable because of the innovative ways we optimize SATCOM bandwidth for data transfer, all in a lighter-weight unit compared to previous-generation solutions.”
Rockwell Collins develops and deploys aviation and high-integrity solutions for commercial and government applications; among the solutions are: flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, simulation and training, and information management.
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Global Aerospace Technology NetworkIntelligent Aerospace, the global aerospace technology network, reports on the latest tools, technologies, and trends of vital importance to aerospace professionals involved in air traffic control, airport operations, satellites and space, and commercial and military avionics on fixed-wing, rotor-wing, and unmanned aircraft throughout the world.
