Wingspeed Develops New Aircraft Tracking and Communications Systems

Wingspeed Corp has developed two new low-cost tracking systems for both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters that also include two-way text messaging, voice calling, and a range of ACARS  (aircraft communication addressing and reporting system)-type data services.

Wingspeed says its new models, the XLLink System Model L and Model H, were designed for diverse application requirements, but also for operators that want compact systems that are "aggressively priced."

Both models are integrated with Flight Explorer's tracking and messaging software, which uses Iridium Satellite's global network, to pass data and messages to Wingspeed's ground-based servers, where they are formatted and routed via a secure Internet connection to a customers' operation center anywhere in the world.  Appropriate end users with only a personal computer with Internet access can securely use the system to track and communicate with their aircraft.

The Model L will retail for approximately $3,500, and offers tracking and ASD (aircraft situational display) capabilities, as well as the ability to generate and send messages containing aircraft GPS position information.

The Model H has flight tracking as well, and in addition, offers voice calls, free-text messaging, and ACARS-type data services.  Furthermore, the Model H can be connected to a hand-held PDA (personal digital assistant) or portable EFB (electronic flight bag), which essentially makes the cockpit a network node. The complete Model H system (not including PDA or EFB) will retail for approximately $9,000 per aircraft.

Both systems are RTCA DO-160 and D0-178 certified, and their LRUs (line replaceable units) share the same equipment footprint, standard aviation sled and ARINC connector.

Wingspeed says it will be conducting live demonstrations of the XLLink System at the AEA Convention, April 20-22, 2006, in Palm Springs, California.  04-17-2006.

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