Newport News, Va. – (October 2013) – ICG (International Communications Group, Inc.) announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued the first Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for an Iridium-based avionics platform on a business aircraft that conforms to RTCA DO-262A. DO-262A is the industry standard required for design approval of aircraft data link communication systems supporting Air Traffic Services (ATS) by FAA Advisory Circular AC 20-140A.
The STC was issued to Chicago Jet Group LLC for the installation of ICG’s NxtLink Series ICS-220A and Universal Avionics UniLink® UL-801 Communications Management Unit (CMU) with internal VHF VDL Mode 2 receiver on a Dassault Aviation Falcon 50 aircraft. The approved system meets Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS 1/A) Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Contract (ADS-C) requirements for flying the North Atlantic Tracks between Flight Level (FL)360 and FL390.
“This STC and compliance with the rigorous requirements of DO-262A for ICG’s NxtLink series ICS-220A transceiver marks an important milestone for ICG and the Business Aviation industry as a whole,” said Scott Trainum, ICG’s Chief Executive Officer. “It is the first, and so far only, FANS over Iridium (FOI) solution available to business jet operators that will allow them to comply with both the existing and upcoming regulatory mandates regarding trans-Atlantic operations.” Trainum also noted that, “ICG utilized Overlook Consulting’s unique industry subject matter expertise to complete the FANS-compliance testing and certification effort to demonstrate compliance to DO-262A and AC20-140A.”
“This accomplishment further demonstrates the growing adoption of Iridium for aviation safety communications. The Iridium satellite network’s compliance with the stringent industry requirements is a true testament to the network’s extensive capability and reliability,” said Brian Pemberton, Iridium’s director of Product Management, Aeronautical and Marine Products. “Not only is Iridium the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe, we also enable the most cost-effective solution available. FANS over Iridium provides further financial benefits by making it possible for business aviation operators to fly more optimal routes with enhanced operational efficiency, improved fuel conservation and reduced lateral separation minima on FANS flight tracks,” he concluded.
“Universal Avionics is very excited to be a partner in this key STC integration effort with ICG and Chicago Jet Group,” said Bruce Bunevich, Universal Avionics’ Great Lakes Regional Sales Manager. “This demonstrates our leadership in meeting global FANS standard. This team effort has obviously provided an innovative and integrated solution,” he added.
“Partnering with ICG and Universal Avionics proved to be an extremely efficient approach to meeting the requirements for this STC. We were able to leverage the combined talent and expertise of our organizations,” said Mike Mitera, President of Chicago Jet Group. “Both ICG and Universal Avionics produce cost effective state-of-the-art equipment and we have a well-deserved reputation as a detail oriented systems integrator. By working together we were able to accomplish an industry first with this installation, we also came up with an approach that provides significant cost savings. We are passing on the ‘lessons learned’ during the development and testing program to the end users.”
ICG’s NxtLink ICS-220A is a three-channel platform that provides two channels of global voice with a modem dedicated to data link services. It offers communications for both flight deck data link requirements, including Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS), CPDLC and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Contract (ADS-C) messaging, as well as flight deck voice communications via conventional aircraft audio systems. Its features include call control, utilizing ARINC 739a compliant Multifunction Control Display Units (MCDUs). For more information please email us at [email protected].
About ICG (www.icg.aero)
International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) of Newport News, Va. is a recognized leader within the aerospace industry, in the development and manufacture of aeronautical communications systems and solutions for the General Aviation, Air Transport and military industries. ICG’s products provide satellite-based global voice and data telecommunications services for both cabin requirements and flight deck operations. Implementation of ICG avionics provides a comprehensive communications solution that can be customized for any size airframe or application. Products include: CTU systems, corded and cordless handsets, single- and multi-channel Iridium systems and data management devices. ICG, a major Iridium value-added manufacturer (VAM) and value-added reseller (VAR), has developed a wide range of Iridium-based solutions and products for mobile satellite communications applications. ICG is an approved FAA manufacturing facility and operates an FAA and EASA approved repair station.
About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ever-expanding ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. The company has a major development program underway for its next-generation network — Iridium NEXT. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.
About Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics manufactures and markets an extensive line of advanced avionics equipment. Product lines include the UNS-1 SBAS-enabled (WAAS) Flight Management Systems; the EFI-890R/890H Advanced Flight Display; a line of Integrated Cockpit Displays; Vision-1® Synthetic Vision System; Terrain Awareness and Warning System; UniLink® Communications Management Unit; Radio Control Units; Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders; Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS); and the Application Server Unit which integrates charts, electronic documents and checklists with displays systems. For more information about Universal Avionics, visit www.uasc.com.
About Chicago Jet Group
Chicago Jet Group operates a Class 4 Part 145 Repair Station, focusing on the installation and certification of NextGen avionics technology in Part 25 aircraft, in addition to providing airframe and engine maintenance. Contact Chicago Jet Group at www.chicagojetgroup.com; email: [email protected]; Phone: 630-466-3600.
