TrueNorth’s Simphone OpenCabin Selected For Second USAF VIP Fleet Program
Advanced software-centric airborne system will replace MagnaStars® on U.S. government C-37A VIP transport aircraft
Ottawa, Canada (April 7, 2010) — TrueNorth Avionics, Inc., has been selected to provide its Simphone¯ OpenCabin airborne telecommunications system for a second U.S. Air Force government VIP transport aircraft under the TARS (terrestrial aeronautical radiotelephone system) program, becoming the standard airborne telecom system for the Special Air Mission C-37A (Gulfstream V) fleet. The new contract, representing 9 aircraft systems (plus spares) in 2010 alone, is a significant follow-on to TrueNorth’s selection in 2009 for the Air Force’s C-37B (Gulfstream 550 model) VIP fleet. Under that contract, Simphone¯ OpenCabin is being installed in new aircraft, with C-37B completions done by Gulfstream/Long Beach. Initial installations for the C-37A retrofit program are being performed by Gulfstream/Savannah.
A revolutionary software-centric concept, the new Simphone¯ (pronounced ‘symphony’) OpenCabin system uses a suite of enterprise-level software applications (‘apps’) to bring advanced voice and data management capabilities to business aviation. Since current hardware-centric airborne telecom systems are heavy, complex, expensive to install and prone to obsolescence, TrueNorth developed a converged solution that interfaces with virtually any corporate aircraft, turning the airplane into an extension of ground-based IT and communications networks. Benefits include robust performance, an unlimited lifespan, enterprise-level security, significant long-term cost savings and the ability to add a wide variety of custom functions by simply uploading software.
“We’re pleased that the U.S. government, like so many business aircraft operators, has also determined that Simphone¯ OpenCabin is the way to eliminate problems with complex airborne data routing, limited Internet service, porous security, poor quality voice and obsolete hardware-centric equipment,” said Mark van Berkel, TrueNorth’s CEO.
The headset is the most critical part of any IFE system. It defines the quality of audio delivery and its look and feel defines the quality of the Airline. The headset is probably responsible for more passenger complaints, and IFE reliability issues than any other IFE component - so why do most airlines leave its procurement to the catering department?”