MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Rockwell Collins signs with ICG to offer Nxtlink Iridium transceivers
International Communications Group (ICG) has concluded an agreement to provide Rockwell Collins with a version of the ICG NxtLink Iridium communications systems for air transport customers.
Rockwell Collins is marketing the devices as the IRT 2110 (Dual Channel) and IRT 2120 (Tri Channel) Iridium systems. The units are currently available for delivery.
“We are extremely pleased to have entered into this agreement with Rockwell Collins,” noted Armin Jabs, ICG’s president and chief operating officer (COO). “This arrangement allows Rockwell Collins to provide a comprehensive Iridium-based flight deck communications solution with features tailored to specific customer needs.”
The Iridium system presents a near-term solution to provide seamless voice and datalink flight deck communications for virtually any size airframe including regional jets. Industry analysis has shown that the cost of equipping can be recovered quickly through fuel savings as a result of increased efficiencies, and in some recent cases, the ability to communicate with flight ops departments has eliminated the need for expensive turn-backs or diversions.
The IRT-2110 device incorporates a single Iridium transceiver (LBT) and a Short Burst Data (SBD) modem and provides connections to customary and standard flight deck voice and data systems. The IRT 2120 is a three-transceiver device, which combines dual LBTs providing two channels of global voice with an SBD modem dedicated to DataLink services. Both systems support Future Air Navigation System (FANS) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communications (CPDLC) as well as Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) requirements.
Both devices also operate with the external CIM (Configuration Identification Module) which contains the Iridium SIM cards as well as the system configuration information. Keeping the SIMS and configuration storage with the aircraft at all times, make the IRT 2110 and IRT 2120 devices true line replaceable units (LRUs) and removes the requirement to update various databases and number of reassignments in the event of an LRU change-out.
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