Boeing tests IPS digital communications on the ecoDemonstrator Explorer, designed to eliminate errors between pilots and controllers and improve safety
In the aviation sector, the human factor causes over 75% of accidents. And of these, one in four is due to communication problems between crews and control centers. Experiments and developments have therefore been underway for years to replace voice radio transmissions (i.e. in which the pilot and controller speak to each other using microphones and speakers or headphones) with new types of telecommunications, defined as safer, based on digital protocols and so-called “data links”. Now Boeing has made available its example of the ecoDemonstrator Explorer airplane, a United Airlines 737-8to test advanced digital communications that also aim to improve operational efficiency. And it did so by also involving government bodies, suppliers, communications operators and universities.
The new security system
The data communications system is designed to improve the flow of information between the cockpit, air traffic control and airline operations centers. So a United’s B 737-8 carried out test flights to evaluate the standards ofInternet Protocol Suite (Ips)this is the name of the system. One of the advantages of this technology is that a message cannot overlap with another that is sent at the same time and this increases flight safety while reducing air traffic congestion and also resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption, therefore costs and emissions. The ecoDemonstrator Explorer has begun test flights in late October and for about two weeks operated U.S. flights based in Houston and European flights based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Todd Citronthe company’s chief technical officer, said: «Boeing is proud to lead the development of digital communications that significantly improve safety and operational efficiency in commercial aviation, our collaboration with United Airlines and the industry team represents a fundamental step to increase the reliability and speed of communications between the cockpit and air traffic control, to the benefit of flight safety and efficiency for all passengers.”
How the project was born
Andy McKeechief test pilot of United’s B-737s, explains: «The ecoDemonstrator project is an extraordinary collaboration for support the ongoing modernization of our air traffic control system and enhance safety for our customers and the entire global aviation community. After months of planning, United is proud to have delivered this program by leveraging combined expertise to help shape the future of aviation.” Since 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program has accelerated innovation by testing new technologies in real-world operating environments to address real airline and passenger challenges.
So far, in a decade of operation, more than 250 technologies have been tested to improve safety, reduce fuel consumption, emissions and noise, and increase operational efficiency and passenger comfort. This has ranged from collecting data on emissions to reducing the noise footprint of airplanes, especially at low altitudes and near areas surrounding airports. Among the participants in the project ecoDemonstrator Explorer we find aerospace electronics giants such as Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, Sita, Thales, Viasat, the European Space Agency (ESA), the US aeronautical authority Federal Aviation Administration, the NASA Air Traffic Management – eXploration Project and the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The future of airline flight safety
Nate Boelkinspresident of Avionics division of Collins Aerospacesaid: “Data communications are critical to the safety and performance of tomorrow’s aircraft, our work with the ecoDemonstrator Explorer improves performance-based connectivity and interoperability, helping to create more reliable, safe and flexible operations in global airspace.” Nicolas Bonleuxvice president of Thales Aerospace Communicationscommented: «With the advent of a new era of digital communications we are proud to play a key role in shaping the future of flight. Our Aviator 200S system, and the smallest and lightest IP Satcom cockpit system, allows operators like United to modernize the real-time connected cockpit for faster, smarter and safer decisions1.
Yann CabaretCEO of Sita for Aircraftunderlines: «As aviation evolves, the need for communication systems capable of supporting new requirements, such as operations based on route optimization, which require technologies superior to current standards, also grows. By collaborating with Boeing in the ecoDemonstrator program for IPS testing, we are testing these innovative solutions in real-world, multilink environments, promoting a shared vision of safer, more efficient and connected skies.”
Much interest was also declared by Laurent Jaffartdirector ofHex for connectivity and secure communications: «This partnership represents a fundamental step towards one unified global solution for air traffic management. Thanks to these interconnected digital communications, we not only improve operational efficiency, but also help make airspace safer and more efficient. The result will be a positive economic impact and a reduction in emissions, in support of the sector’s sustainability objectives.”
