Thales has selected Kontron to design and manufacture the enhanced terminal wireless LAN unit (eTWLU) for its new GateSync system, a high-performance ground connectivity solution that enables airlines to wirelessly load and offload content and data while an aircraft is on the ground.
"GateSync gives airlines fast and secure wireless transmission capabilities that enables them to optimise ground operations while providing increased passenger personalisation to enhance their flying experience. The eTWLU is a key component to our overall solution and we are pleased to be working with Kontron," said Alan Pellegrini, managing director for the Thales in-flight entertainment business.
The eTWLU is a small sealed ARINC-763 compliant wireless transceiver that supports multiple high-speed wireless protocols allowing the GateSync system to be deployed at airports throughout the world.
"When used in conjunction with the Thales TopSeries IFEC [in-flight entertainment and connectivity] system, the eTWLU supports a broadband connection to enable the delivery or updates of IFE multimedia content. Critical to the deployment, the integration was designed with COTS [commercial off-the-shelf] products in a flight-ready chassis that fits within the footprint specified by ARINC-763," said Andy Mason, business unit manager, Mil Aero Products Group at Kontron.
Thales said GateSync has been thoroughly field tested at major airports and verified by major equipment manufacturers and several airlines, and will soon be rolled out.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
