THE NEXT GENERATION OF AIRCRAFT DATA LINK Presented by: Rockwell Collins Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction..........................................................................................1 Flight Deck Functionality...............................................................................2 Aircraft Operational Communications.....................................................................3 Air Traffic Services.....................................................................................4 Maintenance Applications...............................................................................5 Passenger Connectivity................................................................................5 Collins Data Link Systems..............................................................................5 Collins Pro Line 21 and Pro Line 21 Continuum Systems.....................................................8 Collins Pro Line 4 Systems..............................................................................9 Non-FMS Systems....................................................................................10 Conclusion..........................................................................................10
INTRODUCTION For nearly 70 years Rockwell Collins has been a leader in the development of radio communications technology. As we look to the future, Rockwell Collins is continuing that pioneering tradition by developing advanced data communications capabilities for the 21st century. Via data link, Rockwell Collins is enabling the transmission of enhanced information to the flight deck and the cabin, offering improvements in: Situational awareness Operating efficiency and flexibility Future airspace utilization Maintenance support Passenger connectivity and productivity Through Collins data link, new levels of situational awareness are now achievable. For example, flight crews can request weather forecast information in the form of real-time graphical images that support strategic weather planning along an entire flight plan. In addition, current weather information can be easily uplinked and interpreted in conjunction with on-board systems to assist in tactical decision-making. The Traffic Information System-Broadcast (TIS-B) is yet another example of how data link can enhance situational awareness. In this case, traffic awareness is improved through the exchange of information between the aircraft and Air Traffic Management (ATM) surveillance systems, offering improved visibility of the total traffic situation in the air and on the ground. HF SATCOM 2 VHF 1 3 DSP (ARINC, SITA) Phone Other Information User 4 Information Service Provider 5 Fractional Aircraft Operators Information is moved between the aircraft (1) via various communications links (2) through data link service providers (3) to information service providers (4) as well as flight operations departments (5). 1
Operating efficiency is improved by enabling the flow of information to and from the flight deck as desired. Both automatic and crew-initiated features help keep track of the status and requirements of a flight throughout the entire mission. For instance, automatic position reporting provides up-to-the-minute information regarding the location of an aircraft, giving flight operations more accurate information about the flight status. In addition, the flight crew can downlink flight status information or send a request to pre-arrange various types of ground services. The ability to transfer digital data to and from the aircraft can also enable other capabilities, such as the linking of maintenance data to help predict and identify system maintenance needs. Future airspace operations will increasingly rely on digital data communications to transfer information between the flight crew and ATM as a part of the solution to increase airspace utilization. Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) will allow routine communications to be handled more efficiently and with fewer interpretation errors. Collins data link is also enhancing communications to and from the cabin. As data rates increase, passenger connectivity is improved through such advanced capabilities as global high-speed internet and e-mail access, making time spent traveling more efficient and productive. As a result, the ability to accurately and reliably transfer data to and from the aircraft is rapidly becoming a valuable tool for business aircraft and regional airline operators alike. FLIGHT DECK FUNCTIONALITY Through data link, Rockwell Collins delivers compelling benefits to the flight deck in terms of situational awareness and operating efficiency. As we evolve towards the future airspace system, flight crews and the flight operation departments that support them will enjoy the benefits of Collins data link functionality. This functionality can be divided into four areas: Aircraft Operational Communications/Airline Operational Control (AOC) Air Traffic Services (ATS) Maintenance Applications Passenger Connectivity 2
AIRCRAFT OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS Aircraft Operational Communication consists of a tailored set of functions that allows flight crews to send and receive information via data link, including automatic functions such as position reports and Out, Off, On, In (OOOI) flight events. One of the principal AOC functions is the retrieval of weather information. Flight crews can receive METAR and TAF reports, AIRMETs and SIGMETs, PIREPs and winds aloft reports via data link. A significant enhancement beyond these text-based weather reports is the delivery of graphical weather imagery. This feature offers a more direct and intuitive interpretation of the weather situation ahead. Graphical weather images include regional images of winds and temperatures aloft, the jetstream, NEXRAD weather radar and lightning, infrared satellite, and surface and high-level significant weather. The coupling of data link with integrated display systems offers significant improvements for situational awareness. AOC allows the uplinking of flight information such as flight plans, aircraft weight and balance data and fuel loading and usage data. It also enables the downlinking of flight status information (i.e. ETA, delays, diversions, etc.) as well as arrival servicing requests, such as fuel requirements and aircraft catering. In addition, AOC supports free-text messaging. Downlinked messages can be sent to a designated fax number or e-mail address, while uplinked messages (from the office or flight operations, for example) can be sent to a specific aircraft. 3
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES Collins Data Link improves communication between air traffic management and the flight deck by: Improving message transfer reliability Avoiding language difficulties associated with voice Relieving voice channel congestion Several Air Traffic Services (ATS) functions are currently available to allow the flight crew to retrieve information via data link. These services include the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), NOTAMs, Terminal Weather Information for Pilots (TWIP), and taxi, pre-departure and oceanic clearances. At the request of the flight crew, these messages may be retrieved and displayed for clear interpretation and can be stored for later recall if desired. In the future, communications between Air Traffic Management and the flight deck will transition from primarily voice-based to data link-based, which is a major component of the emerging Communication, Navigation, Surveillance / Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) concept. Routine ATC communication will be accomplished via standard-format data link messages referred to as CPDLC. Heading and altitude changes, sector handoffs and altimeter settings are examples of routine exchanges that can be handled more efficiently using data link. As a result, air traffic managers will be able to more effectively manage urgent and complex separation issues using voice. This, in turn, will allow increased traffic flow through congested airspace. The FAA estimates that use of standardized data link messages will result in a 40% increase in traffic flow in order to handle the rise in airspace usage. 4
MAINTENANCE APPLICATIONS Data Link also contributes to the maintenance and support needs of the mission. When coupled with a central maintenance system, as included in Collins Pro Line 4 or Pro Line 21 integrated avionics systems, it supports the downlinking of aircraft systems status, diagnostic information and engine data. This functionality can greatly improve the efficiency of maintenance support. For example, with downlinked maintenance data, the ground support team can become aware of in-flight problems and more effectively and efficiently prepare for maintenance needs prior to aircraft arrival. In addition, downlinked engine data, or other systems data, can be used for engine trend monitoring without requiring maintenance personnel to periodically download information directly from the airplane for ground analysis. PASSENGER CONNECTIVITY Collins Data Link can also offer more flexibility to passengers during their time on the airplane. Passengers can benefit from capabilities such as: Up/downlinking of e-mail messaging Up/downlinking of digital phone and fax messages In-flight video conferencing High-speed Internet access for news, weather and financial information Data link will also play a significant role in providing entertainment options to the cabin. These cabin capabilities are dependent on the emergence of a high-speed, two-way link that meets acceptability criteria for cost, size, weight and power consumption targets, as well as functional availability, reliability and data integrity requirements. COLLINS DATA LINK SYSTEMS To enable these advanced data link capabilities Rockwell Collins offers the latest in digital RF communications technology, communications management expertise and service excellence. The communications management function seamlessly integrates the various radio sources for digital data, including VHF Comm, SATCOM and HF, making worldwide, two-way digital communications a reality. Rockwell Collins world-class service now extends beyond typical product support to include global data link service, bringing a total solution to meet the needs of business and regional operations. These products and systems were created with the flexibility to support applications requiring either stand-alone or integrated configurations, providing data link solutions that match the needs of nearly any airplane. Collins data link systems provide aircraft connectivity over the various RF paths. The key components of the system include: Communications management High-speed data radios User interface and aircraft systems data interface 5
The Collins CMU-4000 Communications Management Unit is the foundation of Collins data link systems. Serving as the CNS manager, the CMU-4000 links the radio sensors through a common I/O and data manager, providing an interface to the remaining aircraft systems, and is viewed as the integrator for a full-complement avionics package - taking advantage of all capabilities of the radio s communication management functions. The CMU-4000 manages the airborne network of equipment, offering digital data communication services with various ground networks via three air/ground radio frequency networks. The airborne network consists of the CMU and associated equipment including radios, control and display devices, and other computer systems as required for specific applications. There are three forms of ground networks that communicate to and from the aircraft: ATS networks, airline operations centers and commercial service providers. Three air/ground RF networks may be used by the CMU to provide the physical media for communications with ground networks: very high frequency (VHF), high frequency (HF) and SATCOM. The CMU provides hardware and software provisions to permit both essential and non-essential applications (Levels B through D per DO-178B) to run simultaneously. This includes using multiple VHF radios at the same time, as well as dissimilar media. The CMU supports the following protocols: VHF/SATCOM/HF per ARINC 618 Existing ACARS per ARINC 724B Existing and emerging data centers for weather and flight planning-related services Printers per ARINC 744A (full format with graphics capability) MCDU per ARINC 739 The Collins VHF-4000 Voice/Data Communications Transceiver is a key element of Collins Pro Line 21 CNS. It provides voice and data at 31.5 kbps to deliver uplinked automated digital messages, flight plan changes and graphical weather depictions. The VHF-4000 will interface with the CMU-4000 to support Mode A -- 2.4 kbps MSK (current ACARS operation) and Mode II -- 31.5 kbps D8PSK CSMA (Aeronautical Telecommunications Network data link) data mode operations. The VHF-4000 has been designed to accommodate future changes to the VHF communications environment. Its digital design provides upgrade paths to Mode 3 (31.5 kbps, D8PSK modulation, TDMA). Mode 3 permits simultaneous use of a single channel for voice and data operation and is an important part of the FAA's long-range plan for VHF communications. Collins SATCOM systems are made up of a robust family of products that offer an array of options to choose from. Collins SATCOM-6000 and SAT-906 provide global Aero-H and Aero-H+ service. The Collins SATCOM-5000 provides global data service and Aero-I service in satellite spot beams. All of these systems provide multichannel flight deck and cabin voice, facsimile and data transmission capabilities utilizing the Inmarsat constellation of geosynchronous communications satellites. The Inmarsat system and all Collins SATCOM products are capable of providing CNS/ATM services in remote or oceanic areas. 6
Key components of a typical data link system With addition of the HST-900 high speed data transceiver, the SAT-906 can provide access to Inmarsat's new bi-directional 64 kbps data service in addition to providing the other data and voice services. The high-speed data capability operates in the satellite spot beams and provides either circuit or packet mode data connectivity. The higher speed will significantly enhance passenger connectivity for e-mail and Internet access. The Collins HF-9000 High Frequency Communications System is available for back-up voice communications worldwide and may include data link capability in the future. The user and aircraft system data interfaces are determined by the system configuration for a given application. Typical configurations include the Collins Pro Line 21 and Pro Line 21 Continuum systems, Collins Pro Line 4 systems and stand-alone applications. 7
COLLINS PRO LINE 21 AND PRO LINE 21 CONTINUUM SYSTEMS Collins Pro Line 21 and Pro Line 21 Continuum systems maximize the benefits provided by Collins Data Link. Both systems provide a standard user interface for text-based functionality. Taking advantage of enhanced display capabilities, they can also display such advanced features as graphical weather images on the aircraft s multifunction display (MFD) and, ultimately, integrate it with other flight planning information to provide better decision making for strategic planning. Collins Pro Line 21 and Pro Line 21 Continuum support the downlinking of flight status and maintenance information. Both systems possess significant growth capacity and flexibility and will continue to evolve to support future data link functionality. Pro Line 21 and Pro Line 21 Continuum enable better decision making through the integration of data linked flight information. 8
COLLINS PRO LINE 4 SYSTEMS In Collins Pro Line 4 applications with the Collins FMS, the CMU-4000 will interface with the existing CDUs to provide a standard user interface for basic text-based data link functionality. These systems also support the automatic downlinking of flight status information for position reporting. The uploading of flight plans is also supported for compatible versions of the FMS. CDU upgrades will be available to support the display of graphical weather images, and in many cases, additional enhancements will also be available to enable the downlinking of maintenance information. Configurations are available to bring valuable benefits to existing Pro Line 4 systems. 9
NON-FMS SYSTEMS The Collins CDU-2500 is a stand-alone multifunction CDU designed to bring data link capability and control to existing aircraft. This unit will support text-based functionality as well as graphical weather images. An interface with an on-board printer will allow the flight crew to print out messages for permanent retention. The Collins CDU-2500 brings the benefits of data link to any aircraft. CONCLUSION As was the case when Collins communications systems were trusted to explore new frontiers with Rear-Admiral Byrd and send messages to and from the moon, Rockwell Collins is pioneering the newest developments in digital data communications. Throughout the years, our expertise has expanded to many other areas, including satellite communications, integrated display systems and flight management systems. With the expertise in all these areas focused on a solution for the emerging data link environment, the result is feature-rich, high-quality, dependable products and services that support the needs of your mission. Collins data link systems provide real benefits, including: Enhanced situational awareness Operating efficiency and flexibility Future airspace utilization Maintenance support Passenger connectivity and productivity Rockwell Collins brings value-added data link functionality to improve your operations today and in the future all through products that have inherited the quality and dependability that are a long-standing legacy of all Collins avionics. 10
For further information contact: Rockwell Collins 400 Collins Road NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52498 319.295.4085 319.295.2297 FAX www.rockwellcollins.com 523-0780-886-10111R MS 2.5M 8-02 2002 Printed in the USA