Kontron debuts ACE Flight 600 airborne server with 4G LTE modem for enhanced ground communications, data loading

POWAY, Calif., 16 Sept. 2014.Kontron is introducing its latest ACE Flight 600 general-purpose airborne servers with an integrated 4G LTE modem. This upgrade to the ACE Flight Server platform enables airlines to achieve a 3X or greater increase in the amount of wireless content loaded during aircraft turnarounds compared to the 3G modem version.

Kontron designed its ACE Flight 600 as a complete, highly integrated application-ready platform that is targeted at advanced communication application requirements for Ethernet-based network installations on both linefit and retrofit aircraft. Qualified to D0-160G and optimized for a full range of flight information systems, the enhanced Kontron ACE Flight 600 line is an ideal platform to build applications that include: crew and passenger web servers, flight maintenance or manifest servers, connectivity server, wireless content server and In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) media servers.

The Kontron ACE Flight 600 integrates the a dual core 1.5 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of DDR3 memory with front removable SSD storage capabilities to more easily address demands for increased performance, software, and data access. It supports massive connectivity and bandwidth with features, including an L2/L3 managed Gigabit Ethernet Switch with 10 externally available Gigabit Ethernet ports.

Designed specifically for aircraft environments, this ARINC 600 4MCU form factor system features up to 10 ARINC 429 channels and 10 aircraft discrete I/O in a low power/light weight housing. Since the unit is sealed and uses natural convection, no external fan or other cooling system is required, adding installation flexibility. Linux and Windows operating systems are supported and integrated software drivers and libraries are available.

“To support the faster connectivity requirements of next-generation avionics flight information systems, the Kontron ACE Flight 600 provides the necessary gateway through which flight crews and ground personnel can access essential onboard information,” says Alan Manns, commercial avionics business line manager, Kontron. “As one of the fastest and highest performing general purpose avionics servers on the market today, this platform gives designers the application-ready and open architecture framework they need to rapidly deploy a rich variety of cabin applications.”

Kontron is a global provider of embedded computing technology. With its employees in research and development, Kontron creates many of the standards that drive the world’s embedded computing platforms, officials say. Kontron’s product longevity, local engineering and support, and value-added services, help create a sustainable and viable embedded solution for OEMs and system integrators. Kontron works closely with its customers on their embedded application-ready platforms and custom solutions, enabling them to focus on their core competencies. The result is an accelerated time-to-market, reduced total-cost-of-ownership and an improved overall application with leading-edge, highly-reliable embedded technology.