ORLANDO, FL, October 19, 2022 – SKYTRAC Systems Ltd. (SKYTRAC), a global leader in aerospace intelligent connectivity and satellite communications (satcom), today announced that its DL150 Satellite Data Unit (SDU) and SkyNode S200-012 have been selected by Textron Aviation as part of its Future Air Navigation upgrade program for the Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign aircraft that are installed with Honeywell Primus Epic avionics.
Early next year, Textron Aviation expects to launch its Future Air Navigation Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) program for the DL150 SDU and SkyNode S200-012 Air Traffic Safety Services terminal so that Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign flight crews can leverage satcom to communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) quickly, efficiently, and globally. These systems support time-critical information with TSO-certified Performance Based Communication Systems (PBCS).
Mandatory in the North Atlantic Track Route System (NATS) since early 2020, the Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS 1/A+) enables Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) and ADS-C supporting low latency position reporting and can supplement or replace traditional voice and data coms for operation in oceanic high-altitude airspace with direct pilot-to-controller contact via the Iridium NEXT global satellite network.
The upgrade reduces pilot workload, enhances situational awareness, and minimizes voice readback errors. CPDLC uses structured and free text messaging, allowing pilots and air traffic controllers to request and authorize flight plan changes.
The new program also enables trajectory-based operations, improves re-routing around bad weather and traffic congestion, and prioritizes departure clearances, which can save release wait time before takeoff. Hawker 4000 and Cessna Citation Sovereign aircraft flying across Europe will also be able to use these communication advances to receive the benefits of air traffic control prioritizing, delay avoidance, and optimal flight lengths.
“We are committed to working with Textron Aviation and supporting their efforts to bring these communication improvements to the Hawker 4000 and Sovereign in-service fleets,” commented Jan van der Heul, Vice President of Sales at SKYTRAC. “This is an exciting time for us as we shape the next generation of Iridium-based satellite aeronautical services.”
The collaboration with Textron Aviation on this project provides a cost-effective way to upgrade Data Link and Safety SATVOICE capabilities on these aircraft.
For more information on SKYTRAC product and capabilities, please stop by SKYTRAC’s Booth 4482 at NBAA-BACE 2022, contact sales@skytrac.ca, or visit SKYTRAC.ca.
About SKYTRAC Systems Ltd.
SKYTRAC, an aerospace leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications and intelligent connectivity, provides innovative technology solutions to some of the world’s largest organizations. SKYTRAC’s work helps aerial firefighters save our forests, allows search and rescue teams navigate dangerous environments, provides coast guards and militaries with mission-critical capabilities, and helps empower humanitarian missions around the world. SKYTRAC’s technologies can be found on fixed-wing, rotorcraft, and uncrewed aerial vehicles, as well as in operational control centres, on all seven continents.From custom software and hardware development through to STC generation, SKYTRAC offers OEMs, operators, and systems integrators end-to-end products and services. Today, SKYTRAC serves over 800 customers on over 900 airframes and is a leading provider for satellite, cellular, and mission-critical services for nearly all aerospace sectors. For more information, please visit www.skytrac.ca.
