Want to fly away from the office, but stay connected? Rockwell Collins (Hall 4, Stand F13) may have just the solution for you.
The company is showcasing its Airshow 21 integrated cabin electronics aboard Bombardier's Global 5000 intercontinental business jet in the business aircraft park.
Collins says the system offers passengers a truly "global office" with full network capability. It also incorporates the best in in-flight entertainment when passengers decide to unwind instead of work.
Airshow 21 offers the Global 5000's passengers and crew control of nearly all aspects of the cabin environment, including business connectivity, information and entertainment.
The system features an Ethernet-based local area network (LAN) to provide multiple users with "off-board" data connectivity, as well as access to printers, fax machines and shared files.
The addition of wireless LAN lets users maintain network connectivity while moving about the cabin.
Transceiver
The system is connected to the outside world via Rockwell Collins' SATCOM system and accompanying high-speed transceiver, which provides multiple voice and high-speed data channels.
These allow simultaneous secure voice and data communications, including corporate e-mail and Internet access, anywhere in the world.
But the system offers more than just computer connectivity. Airshow 21's entertainment features allow passengers to select and control VCRs, DVD players, satellite TV and multi-disc CD changers.
It also supports advanced capabilities such as audio/video-on demand (AVOD). As AVOD becomes available, digital movie and audio content tailored to meet passengers' requirements will also be provided.
If passengers still get bored, Airshow 21 also lets them manage the various environmental systems in the cabin, galley and lavatory, including temperature, lighting, water and waste systems.
Initial flight testing of Airshow 21will begin in September with certification flight tests scheduled for October.
Supplemental type certification of the system is expected in December 2004.
STEVE NICHOLS
Source: Flight Daily News