HAMBURG, Germany. Honeywell (NYSE:HON) is introducing its Aspire 300 global satellite communications (SATCOM) system, delivering International Civil Aviation Association-approved cockpit voice and safety services to improve the overall safety of airline operations.
“Having access to consistent and reliable cockpit communications is critical for flight safety. Honeywell’s Aspire 300 satellite communications system is approved for cockpit safety services, voice, and data link for oceanic, long-range communications,” says Warren Nechtman, vice president, connectivity equipment, Honeywell. “Our latest technological advancements also deliver significant savings in terms of weight, power, and volume while dramatically enhancing the aircraft’s overall safety of operation for airlines.”
Honeywell’s Aspire 300 system connects to Iridium’s low-earth orbit satellite network, a satellite constellation that provides pole-to-pole coverage, which is necessary for effective cockpit voice and safety services. It also satisfies the Future Air Navigation System and controller pilot data link communications flight requirements. This enables a direct data link communication, similar to text messaging, between the pilot and the air traffic controller, giving the pilot the ability to take advantage of the North Atlantic Track System — the daily set of trans-Atlantic flight paths based on wind conditions — and optimize flight time and fuel savings, as well as help lower operational costs.
Even slight improvements in size or weight are significant in a cockpit, and the new system is 75 percent smaller with an antenna that is 90 percent smaller than those in other cockpit systems in the market today — saving airlines thousands of dollars per aircraft in fuel costs, officials say.
Featuring a smaller patch antenna, the new lightweight Aspire 300 system can sit alongside Honeywell’s JetWave fuselage mount antenna, which provides global high-speed Wi-Fi to the aircraft. The two systems complement each other by providing the latest technologies in cockpit safety and cabin connectivity.
“Honeywell’s expansive connectivity product portfolio caters to airline needs from the cockpit to the cabin. Whether it is air-to-ground, L-band or GX Ka-band satellite communications, Honeywell has the solutions to meet the needs of different aircraft types,” Nechtman says.
With thousands of products on aircraft around the world, and more than 100 years of experience providing satellite communications, mechanics, engines, cockpit technology and more to the aerospace industry, Honeywell is well-positioned to lead the aerospace industry’s Connected Aircraft evolution. Honeywell is changing the concept of aviation, how to innovate for it, and the speed at which new technologies, information and services are put into the hands of the passenger, pilot, operator and maintenance personnel.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace and automotive products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, cars, homes and buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
