Displays Color Weather Graphics Over VDL Mode 2 Data Link

Aero-News has learned that airlines seeking an economical way to deploy data-intensive applications such as color weather graphics for the cockpit may soon find a solution with ARINC Incorporated. In a recent flight test, ARINC sent full color NEXRAD weather images rapidly from the ground to the cockpit, using standard ACARS data link messages transmitted over high speed VDL Mode 2 (VDLM2).

During the flight, the speed of VDLM2 data link allowed the flight crew to view a NEXRAD color image of Florida thunderstorms within 20 seconds after sending a request.

The operational test was conducted outside Washington, DC for the Air Force Flight Standards Agency. The equipment included a Class 2 electronic flight bag (EFB) operating ARINC-developed software applications integrated with the aircraft’s VDLM2 ACARS data link avionics. The ARINC-developed weather display application interfaced directly with ARINC’s graphical weather service on the ground.

And furthermore, ARINC says the solution is customizable -- ARINC has the capability to port an airline’s own weather products and capture custom graphics such as turbulence plots for transmission to the cockpit. In addition, ARINC’s graphical weather service is suitable for most Class 2 or 3 EFB installations, regardless of the hardware manufacturer or airframe. 

"We recognize that airlines prefer to have the same weather information in front of both their flight crews and their dispatchers," stated Ron Hawkins, ARINC Vice President, Commercial Aviation Solutions. "Our solution, utilizing ARINC’s VDLM2 data network, is customizable, to allow airlines to use the weather products they prefer, including their own applications."

With its high capacity, VDLM2 offers airlines proven reliable VHF data link connectivity between the ground and the aircraft. Over 10% of the U.S. passenger fleet is already equipped with VDLM2, and the avionics are now standard equipment on most new airframes.

"The market has reached a critical mass with so many VDL Mode 2 equipped aircraft in service, and cockpit devices such as EFBs are becoming more common," continued Hawkins. "As a result, many carriers are eager to implement new data-intensive flight applications, and ARINC can help with their implementation. In addition, our VDL Mode 2 network, deployed and operational from coast to coast, delivers the capacity they will need for real-time color graphics and other new applications to enhance flight safety and convenience."

ARINC Incorporated develops and operates communications and information processing systems and provides systems engineering and integration solutions to five key industries: airports, aviation, defense, government, and surface transportation. Founded to provide reliable and efficient radio communications for the airlines, ARINC is headquartered in Annapolis, MD, and operates key regional offices in London and Singapore, with over 3,200 employees worldwide.

FMI: www.arinc.com