Steve Nichols
Data link communication in Asia-Pacific is becoming increasingly popular. And as Communication Navigation Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) becomes more developed in the region airlines will rely heavily on data links to provide critical information about flight plans, graphical weather and eventually air traffic clearances.
Rockwell Collins (Stand A1011) is well placed to supply Asian carriers with data link systems. More than a dozen companies, flying more than 2,000 aircraft, are now using the company's equipment. Show visitors are able to see its Hermes Ground Data Link system that can handle the increasing volume of air and ground data link message traffic.
Hermes provides the interface between the data link service provider (either SITA or ARINC) and the aircraft operator and is compatible with most PC software systems.
Hermes Messenger allows messages to be generated in an easy-to-follow, e-mail style format.
Messages to and from the aircraft typically take 30sec for delivery and can be sent via SATCOM as well as VHF/HF radio networks.
Take-off
During critical take-off and landing phases the system is automatically disabled and the Hermes Administrator holds the messages and controls their release.
Hermes Mapper provides airlines with a visual display of the location of data link-equipped aircraft using position reports or ground speed calculations. Flight plans and airline routes can be stored in the Mapper and overlaid when required.
Hermes "Out Off On In" analysis is another useful feature. An automatic message is sent from the aircraft upon departure from the gate, at take-off, at touchdown and once the aircraft is parked, allowing the airline to track on-time status.
The system can also transmit messages about weather, position reports and ETA updates, gate information, aircraft provisioning, fuel information, diversion reports, aircraft fault data and oceanic clearance.
Hermes was developed in response to a requirement from SAS, where it has been in operation for nearly two years.
Source: Flight Daily News
