Thales Flytlink taps Iridium satellite communications to enable global aircraft connectivity

ORLANDO, Fla. Thales, a provider of flight deck avionics and passenger connectivity solutions with headquarters in France, is expanding its portfolio of global aviation connectivity solutions with FlytLINK, which taps Iridium satellite communications (SATCOM) to enhance cockpit communications, including safety services and operations. Thales officials presented FlytLINK at the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA – BACE) in Orlando, Florida.

FlytLINK will provide dedicated satellite-based communications capabilities primarily aimed at connecting aircraft cockpit and crew operations. FlytLINK is designed to connect the front of users’ aircraft without relying on ad-hoc network solutions.

The solution will deliver essential communications for enhanced safety features and critical operations ensuring that customers have the most reliable capabilities for their aircraft’s safety-critical domain. It has been purpose-built with network security in mind to meet the challenges of the aviation community and it can be equipped on all aviation platforms, including commercial transport, business jets, rotorcraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and military aircraft.

FlytLINK, enabled by Iridium Certus, will operate using broadband services over the Iridium NEXT constellation of 66 satellites that cover the globe, including poles and oceans. Thales is currently targeting product availability in line with Iridium Certus’ full-service deployment schedule which is anticipated for completion in 2018.

The Iridium-enabled FlytLINK solution provides reliable, mobile, and essential voice, text, and Internet communications. Its safety features include optional flight data streaming, Push-to-Talk voice, ACARS, and other embedded safety services. Operationally, it enhances in-air reporting, service logging, flight crew scheduling, aircraft monitoring, and other operational service needs. It also supports electronic flight bag pairing, real-time weather, active aircraft tracking, secure pilot and crew Wi-Fi access, and enhanced calling.

"FlytLINK is a key part of Thales’ expanding connectivity offering for the aviation community and FlytLINK, enabled by Iridium Certus, is the perfect starting point because of its truly global reliability. As we roll-out this new product offering, we look forward to helping our customers define new levels of safety and operational efficiency,” says Adam Marks, managing director, LINK SatCom, and VP, strategy and marketing at Thales USA.

Search the Aerospace & Defense Buyer's Guide