TrueNorth’s DLU-vox to provide ACARS/CPDLC and Voice capabilities in a small, lightweight, standalone form factor

Geneva, Switzerland | May 21, 2017– TrueNorth, an SD Company, will introduce a new FANS-1/A over Iridium data link unit (DLU) with voice at EBACE 2017 – Booth S80. DLU-vox, will provide data link capabilities (ACARS, ADS-C, and CPDLC) plus flight deck safety voice capabilities in a small, lightweight, standalone form factor. The new DLU-vox has the same dimensions and footprint as TrueNorth’s existing FAA TSO-C139a Data Link Unit (DLU), and will give operators cost effective options for a data only (DLU) or a data and voice solution (DLU-vox).

Committed to integrating the most effective technologies into its products, TrueNorth continues innovating to give flight crews critical communications capabilities. “Our focus is to consistently improve the user experience, be it in the cabin or the flight deck,” said Mark van Berkel, general manager, TrueNorth. “Our new DLU-vox will allow operators to better manage their workload. Text-based contact with air traffic control reduces communication errors, and a channel of enhanced quality voice provides added flexibility. Both will help foster smooth flight operations.”

Based on TrueNorth’s flagship data link unit—aviation’s most popular Iridium-based FANS-1/A solution, with more in service and more STCs than any other system—the DLU-vox is a lightweight, standalone device for the flight deck. Following in the footsteps of the first and only, FAA, CAN and EASA TSO certified system for FANS over Iridium, the product is designed to fully comply with current and foreseeable TSO specifications. Additionally, DLU-vox will be compatible with a variety of MCDUs (multipurpose control and display units) and FMS’ (flight management systems). Both products simplify pilot to controller communications, to increase efficiency in congested airspace.

“The DLU-vox is an important addition to our product portfolio,” says Chris Moore, chief commercial officer at Satcom Direct. “FANS-1/A capabilities offer clear operational and business benefits. Pairing DLU-vox with SD services, like our FlightDeck Freedom application, gives operators the ability to work more effectively, fly more efficient routes and reduce fuel costs; significant considerations that are important to both pilots and aircraft owners.

A distinguishing feature of the new system is enhanced voice quality, which contributes to safer flight operations by providing clearer voice than traditional HF radio. Supporting simultaneous data and voice transmissions through a dual element Iridium antenna, the DLU-vox enables operational efficiencies, allowing pilots to talk and use the text-based interface at the same time.

Notes van Berkel, “Part of our mission is to provide flight crews with the most effective means of communicating with ATC, ground operations and other aircraft without disrupting cabin communications. Through the direct connection into the flight deck voice system, DLU-vox gives pilots the ability to communicate in a manner that best dovetails with their own working routines.

Annapolis, Maryland, USA, March 8, 2010—Commercial passenger flights and business jets in South Africa can now have better access to important flight messages and data with newly-expanded ACARS® data link coverage from ARINC Incorporated.

In cooperation with South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), ARINC recently installed a new VHF ACARS data link station at Cape Town, and inaugurated coverage in December. The new station will enable better in-flight data transfer and communications between airline operations and aircraft flight decks.

Cape Town International is South Africa’s second busiest airport and a major gateway for tourists. ARINC is expanding its data link coverage in advance of the 2010 World Cup, which will take place in South Africa during June and July. Teams from 32 nations will play at eight different venues stretched across more than a thousand miles of South Africa. An influx of international visitors and greatly increased air traffic are expected.

“Our Cape Town data link coverage is part of a series of major investments ARINC is making across the whole of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region,” stated Andy Wood, ARINC EMEA Program Director. “New station deployments like this one benefit our European-based airline customers such as Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa who fly to the African main bases, as well as many international airlines flying to Johannesburg, where we also provide VHF ACARS coverage.”

ARINC VHF ACARS data link service provides airlines with faster and more reliable operational messaging than traditional voice radio. Carriers using data link benefit from greater efficiency and on-time performance.

ARINC’s data link services are built on an integrated worldwide network of VHF and HF ground stations, along with Inmarsat and Iridium satellite networks, to provide seamless data communications to aircraft anywhere in the world. ARINC’s exclusive HFDL (High Frequency Data Link) service gives carriers such as South African Airways cost-effective global coverage across oceans, continents and polar regions while seamlessly interfacing with VHF and SATCOM communications.