Cost-Effective Iridium Voice Solution Offered For Boeing 747 Cargo

ARINC now has an STC for the installation of Iridium-based telephony service on Boeing 747-200 cargo aircraft, among the world’s most popular long-distance freighters.

ARINC’s solution uses advanced Iridium avionics developed by ICG, the International Communications Group of Newport News, VA. The compact, cost-efficient design marks a breakthrough in price/performance especially suited to the communications needs of global cargo operators.

“Installation of ARINC’s Iridium solution will enable flight crews to communicate clearly with ground and flight ops regardless of their aircraft location,” stated Wayne Turnquist, ARINC’s Director of Aircraft Services. “This is a great benefit for operators using remote oceanic and polar routes where HF is currently the only voice option.”

ARINC plans to provide Iridium airframe modifications at the location and facility of the customer’s choice. Additionally, ARINC will offer installation kits for its Iridium avionics package assembled under the FAA Parts Manufacturing Authority (PMA) of its Colorado Springs Repair Center.

“Making Iridium kits available to other authorized repair stations gives customers complete flexibility in scheduling their modifications,” added Turnquist.

The ICG Iridium avionics suite includes a small-footprint ICS-100 transceiver and feature-rich Jetphone™ handset. The line replaceable transceiver offers features not available on simpler systems, such as call transfer, extension-to-extension calling, and 3-party conferencing.

The intelligent ICG Jetphone handset can be located within easy reach of crew members. It retains the simplicity of a conventional telephone while offering, speed dial, and special function keys for redial, new call, flash, and mute It can be customized with additional features at customer request.

FMI: www.intcomgrp.com, www.arinc.com