AIRCOM Cockpit Datalink Applications

Provide additional value and management of operational ACARS information

SITA AIRCOM Cockpit Datalink Applications provide enhanced visibility and management of aircraft communications links and ACARS message content, as well as providing operational information content of great value to active flights and thereby increasing total benefit of ACARS investment.

AIRCOM is the trademark for SITA's Aircraft Communications services.

Overview

AIRCOM Cockpit Datalink Applications adds value to the AIRCOM ACARS operational communication services by:

Facilitating text messages to pilots in real-time
Reformatting and distributing messages
Simplifying integration of ACARS derived information into the airline's information technology (IT) environment

SITA AIRCOM Cockpit Datalink Applications elements

AIRCOM Server portfolio allows first-time users of ACARS to benefit immediately from the data link capability of their aircraft. It also allows experienced users of ACARS to migrate away from expensive and inflexible internal mainframe solutions.

AIRCOM Surface Weather allows real-time weather information to be accessible to pilots in flight.

D-ATIS Gateway allows pilots to access real-time ATC information using non-standard ATC message avionics and/or non-standard ATC ground systems.

Benefits

AIRCOM Cockpit Datalink Applications Services benefits include:

Turnkey solution
Extension of automation capabilities in both aircraft and ground systems
Centralized management and visibility of ACARS datalink messages
Increased flight-following capabilities and graphical display
Enhanced operational information to assist and support cockpit crews
Integration of disparate airline systems

Features

AIRCOM Cockpit Datalink Applications include the following features.

AIRCOM Server portfolio

AIRCOM Server

AIRCOM Server is an intelligent message router, handling the distribution of downlink reports and reformatting messages into human and/or machine-readable formats.

A complete message application capable of handling all messages (ACARS and Type B)
Standalone set-up in customer site using SITA supplied software running on customer provided hardware
A flexible and adaptable application that can run on different platforms - e.g. single, multiple, high availability cluster, VMWare, Disaster Recovery, etc
Independent of avionic and aircraft types
High reliability and software integrity
Based on standard PC / Windows platform
Full suite of connecting interfaces such as MATIP, MQ Series, SMTP/POP3, TCP/IP, Type B, MSSQL, compatible with all airline industry Flight Support applications - e.g. Flight Planning, Maintenance, Engine Monitoring, etc.
In-house administrator flexibility to manage new aircraft, avionics, messages reformats and templates without having to seek external support
Security enhancement by managing via password who can receive ACARS downlink, and who can initiate ACARS uplink messages
Consistent development and new features added on a user community basis
Multiple air-ground communication service provider management
Can be linked to Ground-to-Air Voice communications to allow automated dialling
May be licensed via a one-off purchase or via monthly rental

AIRCOM Service Bureau

AIRCOM Servuce Bureau provides the same capabilities of ACARS message reformatting as the AIRCOM Server but is operated as a SITA hosted service with some reduced functionality and access limited to Type B message or via a webmailbox.

Can reformat all aircraft downlinks and deliver result to a Type B, MATIP or MQSeries or e-mail addresses
Allows rapid introduction of ACARS requiring no configuration action by customer other than definition of messages and contents required to be reformatted / distributed
Able to process messages from any avionics or aircraft type
Able to reformat uplink messages before transmission to aircraft

AIRCOM Flight Sentry Display

AIRCOM Flight Sentry Display is an aircraft tracking and performance monitoring application offered in partnership with Flight Explorer. This is an optional module of AIRCOM Server and has been developed to offer customers a sophisticated central Flight Following graphics tool.

Multiple information sources can be fed to the display: e.g. Radar data (where available), Weather information, Airspace notifications, Airport information
Flight Planned routes can be displayed
ACARS derived position reports can be shown
Flight Alerts can be set according to triggers such as RVR readings, Airspace Delays, Airport closures, etc
Monitors route and any deviation by aircraft in routine operation
Inputs can be added as overlays on one screen thereby reducing number of terminals that require to be monitored
Facilitates operational real-time management of unexpected events
Optimizes management of diversion events

AIRCOM Cockpit Datalink Applications also include the following applications

AIRCOM d-ATIS Gateway

AIRCOM d-ATIS Gateway facilitates pilot access to the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) via data link and increases the number of airports where ATIS is available via data link and the number of aircraft that can access the data.

AIRCOM Surface Weather

AIRCOM Surface Weather offers in-flight access via AIRCOM data link service to the latest weather data available worldwide. Typical turnaround time from pilot request to receipt in cockpit of the requested weather information is 15 seconds. Several choices of content format (dependent on avionic set-up) are available:

Surface Actual (SA)
Short Range Forecast (FC)
Long Range Forecast (FT)
SIGMET (WS)

The SITA Weather database is fed automatically with weather data supplied by several of the world's leading meteorological agencies.

The SITA AIRCOM Surface Weather Service is capable of performing IATA/ICAO code conversions if necessary.

ACARS Broadcast Service

ACARS Broadcast Service facilitates the transmission of important messages (eg: SIGMET) to multiple aircraft. This function requires avionics to be specifically capable of handling this special ACARS functionality.