Broadband Connectivity to Aircraft

Satellite Systems Supporting the Modernization of Civil Aviation Telecommunications Systems

David WeinreichSenior Manager ITU-R Activities

International Regulatory Affairs

Connexion by BoeingSM

9 September, 2004

What does Connexion by BoeingSM Enable?

Real-time two-way, high-speed Internet and e-mail

Broadband corporate Intranet access

E-commerce

In-flight travel and destination information

Live video distribution (News, Financial, Sports and Entertainment)

Real-time aviation security information

Current and Potential E-enabled Applications

Flight Operations• Electronic Flight Bag• Weight & Balance• Performance Data• Operational Checklists• Access to Flight

Information services • Charts and Maps• Crew e-mail• Airline specific tools• Security

Passengers• e-Mail (real-time)• Intranet / Internet• News/Sports• e-Commerce

Cargo• Customs Clearance• Cargo/Baggage

monitoring

Cabin Crew• Passenger data base• Crew e-Mail• Cabin E – Logbook• A/C Documentation• Credit Card validation• Cabin inventory• Quality monitoring• Reservations• Security

Maintenance• Maintenance documentation• Maintenance improvements• Aircraft Health Monitoring• Electronic logbook• Data loading• e-Mail (real-time)• Operational s/w and data

bases storage• Flight Operations Quality

Assurance download• Equipment List

Forward Link

ManyAircraft

~5 Mbpseach

Transp

onder #

1

Transp

onder #

2

Transp

onder #

3

• One forward link signal per transponder

• A transponder will carry data for multiple aircraft

• Aircraft receive the transponder signal and accept data addressed to it

• Multiple transponders may be used in a region

• Each aircraft may receive from multiple transponders

Transp

onder #

N

Transponders added as fleet growsTransponders added as fleet grows

Multiple Ku-BandTransponders

Return Link

Multiple Ku-BandTransponders

Transponder #1

Transponder #N

Code #1

Code #2

Code #3

Code #1Code #2 Code #3

Transp

onder #

1

Transp

onder #

N

• Each aircraft is assigned to one transponder

• Multiple aircraft may share one transponder using multiple access codes

• NOC manages aggregate EIRP for FSS protection

• Multiple transponders may be used for return links in a coverage region ...

16 kbps to 1024 kbps

per A/C

Transponders added as fleet growsTransponders added as fleet grows

Aircraft Earth Station

Frequency – 14.0 - 14.5 GHz Uplink– 10.7 - 12.7 GHz Downlink

Antenna– Phased array, or – Reflector

Modem– Offset-QPSK (similar to DVB)– Spread to ~90% of transponder bandwidth– Reduced interference potential– DSSS return link

• Data Rate– Forward link: 5 Mbps per transponder

(may receive multiple transponders)– Return link: up to 1 Mbps

CbB Global Service Coverage

North America

North Atlantic

Europe

MiddleEast

Indian Subcont.

Southeast Asia

South America

Central Asia

Australia

South Pacific

North North Pacific Pacific (Asia)(Asia)

North North Pacific Pacific (NA)(NA)

South Pacific

-MidSouthAtlantic

Asian Corridor

Africa

Mexico/ Central America Southwest

Pacific

Broadband Connectivity to Aircraft

What will Broadband Connectivity accomplish for Aviation Communications?

Broadband Connectivity will allow more and better communications for passengers and airline companies which will result in increased and better

- Security

- Efficiency

- Passenger Satisfaction

Broadband Connectivity to Aircraft

Why is Broadband Connectivity necessary?

Advanced aeronautical systems are producing – and relying on - ever increasing amounts of data that are used to improve their ease of use, effectiveness and efficiency.

Often at times it is necessary to communicate these data to external entities in order to achieve the advantages that these advanced systems bring.

These facts apply to all advanced systems including aircraft operation and communications.

Broadband Connectivity to Aircraft

How is Broadband Connectivity better than the systems currently in use?

Broadband Connectivity allows more data to be transferred in a smaller amount of time.

Broadband Connectivity allows better and more complete information to be delivered.

In flight equipment monitoring, telemetered to the ground, can flag potential problems and permit provisioning of repair parts in advance of landing leading to more efficient turn-around times.

Broadband Connectivity enables higher fidelity and advanced status reporting that results in more comfortable and more efficient operations.

Weather information, including detailed maps, would lead to more comfortable flights.

Broadband Connectivity to Aircraft

What are the potential applications of Broadband Connectivity?

Enhanced on-board Equipment Status Reporting

Improved Access to real time Weather Data, both En route and Terminal

Transfer of Updated Navigation Charts

Airport and Airway Status Updates

On-Board Video Surveillance, sent to the ground, for Improved Security

Video Tele-Medical Assistance for both Passengers and Crew

Broadband Connectivity to Aircraft

Broadband Connectivity to Aircraft will enable more secure, more efficient and more comfortable flying by allowing improved communications that will facilitate better flight status information, improved maintenance, enhanced on-board security and improved crew and passenger communication.