AN increasing number of US helicopter fleets are being equipped with satellite communications (satcom) for position reporting, flight following and two-way messaging. The OuterLink low-cost datalink capability, to be available worldwide by year-end, is particularly useful in regions with limited or no radar coverage.
Chevron has completed the installation of OuterLink satcom datalink units on its fleet of 29 helicopters operating in the Gulf of Mexico. As well as allowing automatic flight tracking and two-way messaging, the systems include a "Mayday" button and an automatic "missed-message alarm" indicating a loss of communication with the helicopter.
A second, unidentified petroleum industry operator has ordered 23 CP-2 satellite modems from OuterLink to equip its entire fleet.
The CP-2 L-band datalink is also popular with air medical operators. Air Evac has begun installations on 30 helicopters operating throughout the mid-west USA. Lebanon, New Hampshire-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Duluth, Minnesota-based Life Flight both use the CP-2.
Source: Flight International