One of the new products you will see at APEX is a new, seat integrated solution from Lufthansa Systems. So we contacted LHS in order to provide our readers with a glimpse of it prior to APEX and we asked them the following series of questions:

Q: Firstly, what is it called?
LHS: It’s called the “Seat Integrated Tablet Solution”. It’s another feature for its integrated wireless BoardConnect platform.
Q: Are we correct in understanding that the system described in the release will be basically a wireless IFE solution with a tablet replacing the existing IFE seatback unit?
LHS: Yes, high-resolution audio and video content can now be streamed over WiFi not only to passenger devices but also to tablets integrated in the seat. The in-seat tablet solution integrates commercial of the shelf (COTS) hardware into the seat. Therefore, a seat needs to be modified to accommodate a common tablet.  A seat structure is added to firmly mount the tablet onto the seat frame. In addition a tablet frame/case surrounding the tablet itself holds it in place. The tablet frame adapts to the dimension of the tablets which will be adjusted in case of replacement. This “adaptive frame” is mounted to the seat structure and can easily snapped in or off.
Q: What about head-strike and about certifying the tablet to DO-160?
LHS: It is mandatory for every seat to pass HIC. The same requirement applicable to legacy in-seat IFE systems applies to a seat integrated tablet solution too. To avoid additional HIC tests when updating to the next tablet generation we add a transparent polycarbonate cover (or similar materials) that need to be closed for the critical flight phases Taxi, Take-off and Landing (TTL.) The cover closes like a shade that is pulled up by the passenger. An appropriate announcement could be made as part of the cabin ready check (seat in an upright position and stow the tray table.)
Q: We assume a personal tablet works with the system? Android, iOS Windows… is there an app in use here… what OS?
LHS: Yes and no, personal tablets can be used, just like in any other BoardConnect installation, however they are not to be mounted into the seat integrated tablet frame.
The tablets inside the frame are airline supplied devices, enabling the airline to feature safety videos as well as early window content. The key differentiator to classical in-seat screens is the possibility of a cost efficient technology refresh in case newer tablets become available.
Q: We hear that you folks are working with an Airframmer and possibly a seat manufacturer for the product — any truth to that?
LHS: The prototype on display in Anaheim was developed with partners, however at current we are not in a position to reveal their names.
Q: Are you working with a connectivity service provider who will deliver the speedy Internet?
LHS: BoardConnect was and remains to be as a very capable and robust, wireless on-board platform coming along with a cutting edge wireless IFE offering. In respect to connectivity BoardConnect remains provider agnostic. We can attach both satellite and Air-to-Ground solution to our platform.
Q: Could your “new” system be considered an embedded wireless IFE solution?
LHS: In fact it is a more than this since it allows any form of hybrid solutions containing Personal Electronics Devices (PEDs), Airline Owned Devices (AODs) and Seat Integrate Tablets (SIT) all served by a single server and a high performance wireless network.
Q: If what we think is true, LHS has a real technical achievement, especially with using only wireless to each seat as there are many roadblocks like interference to keep the system from working, would anyone from LHS wish to comment?
LHS: Norbert Müller, Senior Vice President BoardConnect at Lufthansa Systems:
“Nowadays, it becomes more and more apparent that legacy IFE systems can’t keep up to speed with the developments in the consumer electronics sphere. To overcome this gap between customer expectations driven by consumer electronics and the current reality within an aircraft cabin we specifically designed the seat integrated tablet solution. This will allow our customers to integrate state of the art, affordable, commercial off the shelf devices into the seatback leading to an improved customer experience.”

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Next, IFExpress got a sneak peek the the latest technology from VT Miltope, (via their new nMAP2 technology) and when you visit their booth at APEX, write this down – APEX Booth 1641 – you will be amazed! Why? Because for almost 6 months now, we have been told we can’t report on “Cognitive HotSpot Technology” but Stay Tuned. Take our word for it, this is a first in smart aircraft routers considering today’s access points can use only approximately 10% of their network capacity because of antenna technology, internal software analysis capability, and aircraft physical configuration … you will be amazed because now, routers from VT Miltope can collaborate!

Late Breaking Inside Info: Here is what we do know about nMAP2 – VT Miltope has added an IEEE 802.11ac Multifunction Access Point (nMAP2) as its latest wireless product. nMAP2 builds upon the success of VT Miltope’s wireless access point products and nMAP2 features Cognitive Hotspot Technology, an integrated MIMO antenna assembly and has a second radio to support legacy 802.11n client devices. Cognitive Hotspot Technology (CHT), available exclusively with nMAP2, is state-of-the-art wireless control technology tailored specifically to improve wireless performance in congested aircraft cabins. With CHT, nMAP2’s provide intelligent roaming, auto wireless power control, auto channel assignment, load balancing, interference mitigation, and failure recovery.

You probably know that as s a pioneer in introducing wireless access point technology to the aviation industry and VT Miltope has a proven history of delivering highly reliable access point products. Importantly, nMAP2 weighs less, is more compact, and improves reliability as far as we can tell. We do know that it is standards compliant, designed to ARINC 628a Part 1 and ARINC 836. Up to 64 VLANs (IEEE 802.1q) are available to support separate user networks.  Customized network and user group profiles are possible using 16 concurrent VSC’s (Virtual Service Community), each having configurable SSIDs, QoS, security, and filtering.

As an access point, clients connect to aircraft LAN via intelligent bridging that restricts client traffic to only flow to-and-from the access controller. In the absence of a router, nMAP2, we understand may also be configured as an access controller to provide router functionality with robust firewall. Incredible stuff, don’t miss it!

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IFExpress got a call from a company seeking to acquire or invest in companies serving the inflight entertainment industry and rather than spin their message, here it is, and please contact them directly if you are interested. “Our Company is developing a unique IFE system offering including; passenger entertainment, e-commerce and other unique passenger and airline benefits. Additionally, the Company has very significant backing that will allow for the “roll up” acquisition(s) and/or investment(s) in related companies offering synergies within the IFE industry. These synergies might include; existing airline distribution, existing airline accounts, existing or near term revenues and profits, unique software and/or hardware technology, unique passenger or airline services, and services that can generate passenger and airline revenues either in flight or on the ground. All inquiries will be responded to and should contain a brief description of the opportunity, which can be followed up with a Non Disclosure Agreement where necessary. Please address all inquiries to MJEL@mjel.com.”

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And lastly, do you want a great info-graphic on passenger Wi-Fi demand?